Do you have trouble sleeping? Are you always tired? If so, you may want to visit the John Hopkins Sleep Center. This center focuses on researching sleep disorders and offers a variety of services to help you get the most out of your sleep, from diagnostics and treatment of sleep disorders to education and support.
In this blog post, we will discuss why you might need a sleep study and the different services offered by the Johns Hopkins Sleep Center.
Why would someone need a sleep study?
A sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram (PSG), is a test used to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. A sleep study provides information about a person's sleep patterns, including how long they sleep, how often they wake up, and whether they snore. It can also help to identify the cause of fatigue or insomnia. Sleep studies are often used to diagnose disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome.
In some cases, a sleep study may be used to monitor the effects of a new medication or assess the need for surgery. Sleep studies are usually conducted overnight in a sleep lab. During the procedure, sensors are attached to the head, face, legs, and chest to measure brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, and breathing. The data collected during a sleep study can help doctors determine the best course of treatment for a sleep disorder.
Johns Hopkins Sleep Center Overview
There are many top-notch sleep clinics in the United States. But the Johns Hopkins Sleep Center is the most well-known and is part of the Johns Hopkins Medicine system. It offers a variety of services in the same building but in different rooms. The Sleep Center, located in room 2B.57, performs overnight and daytime sleep testing for adults and children. The Sleep Clinic, located on the 7th floor, offers clinic evaluations with a physician or nurse practitioner. If you live in the area this is a great option
The center was founded in 1971 and has been researching and helping people with sleep disorders for over 40 years. Studies at the center have helped to develop new treatments for sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy. Johns Hopkins Medicine is a big institution committed to improving the "health of the community and the world". They do that by providing medical education, research, and clinical care.
Make an appointment HERE or visit their location for more information.
Conditions and Disorders evaluated
Chronic Insufficient Sleep
This happens when you are no longer getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep for an extended period of time. It can happen gradually or suddenly. You may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. This can happen for a variety of factors but the most common are anxiety, stress, alcohol consumption, and poor sleeping habits.
Circadian Ryhthm Disorders (CRD)
Circadian rhythm disorders (CRD) are a group of conditions that cause sleep problems because a person's internal "body clock" is out of sync with the 24-hour day. Most people with CRD have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at the times when they need to sleep. As a result, they may feel drowsy during the day and awake at night. While circadian rhythms are controlled by an internal biological process, sleep medicine could help control circadian rhythms.
Insomnia
Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and it can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Insomnia can be caused by stress, anxiety, medication side effects, and other factors.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep. People with narcolepsy often experience excessive daytime sleepiness and may fall asleep unexpectedly at any time of day. Narcolepsy can also cause disturbed nighttime sleep and hallucinations.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The main symptom of sleep apnea is loud snoring. However, sleep apnea occurs in people of all ages and can cause serious health problems.
Parasomnias
Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders that involve abnormal or unnatural movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, and dreams during sleep. Common parasomnias include sleepwalking, sleep terrors, and sleep paralysis.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS, is a neurological disorder that causes unpleasant sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. The sensations are often described as burning, throbbing, or tingling, and they typically occur when a person is resting or inactive.
The Importance of Sleep
Getting a good night's sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, yet according to the Centers for Disease Control CDC, approximately 70 million adults in the United States suffer from chronic sleep problems. There are a variety of different sleep disorders that can disrupt a person's nightly rest, and as a result, cause fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during waking hours.
So why is sleep so important? Well, during sleep, your body is able to repair itself. This is when your cells regenerate and your body produces important hormones, like growth hormone and testosterone. Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind!
Check out our article "Sleeping Disorders | Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options" for a more in-depth look into sleep disorders.
Johns Hopkins University & Johns Hopkins Hospital
The Johns Hopkins Health System consists of community hospitals and a medical school university, and Johns Hopkins Medicine is the vehicle that brings all the different organizations together to collaborate.
Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1876, the university was named for its first benefactor, the American entrepreneur, abolitionist, and philanthropist Johns Hopkins.
The Johns Hopkins Hospital is where many of the medical breakthroughs have occurred that Johns Hopkins Medicine is known for. It is also the teaching hospital and biomedical research facility of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. The Johns Hopkins Hospital is located in Baltimore, Maryland, just a few blocks from Patterson Park.
If you live around Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins Sleep Center would be a great option to do a clinal evaluation or sleep testing. If you don't, there are many great sleep clinics in other big cities around the United States. Where ever you decide to go, make sure to do some research to see what's available in your area and consult your doctor first to see what would be the best option for you and your sleep disorder.
I hope you found this information helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact us directly. Until next time, happy sleeping!
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Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment plan or taking any sleep medicine.
Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sleep deprivation?
Sleep deprivation is a condition that occurs when you do not get enough sleep. It can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, anxiety, dehydration, and sleep problems.
How much does a sleep study cost?
A sleep study is a test that is used to diagnose sleep disorders. It usually costs between $500 and $3,000. The cost of a sleep study depends on the type of study, the facility where it is performed, and the insurance coverage. A sleep study typically consists of an overnight stay in a sleep laboratory, where the patient is monitored for sleep patterns, breathing, and other vital signs. Sleep studies are often covered by insurance, but some insurance plans may require a referral from a primary care physician.
