Sleep Disorders

There are many different types of sleep disorders. You may find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep (insomnia). Sleep apnea causes your breathing to pause while you’re asleep. Parasomnias (such as excessive night terrors or nightmares) and a number of other sleep disorders can impact your mood, productivity and health.

Overview and Symptoms

Symptoms of sleep disorders can vary widely. If you experience any trouble related to sleep, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your BIDMC physician to get an accurate diagnosis.

The Sleep Disorders Clinic at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center offers many ways to diagnose a sleep disorder:

  • Overnight in-laboratory to assess obstructive sleep apnea
  • Seizure montage
  • Parasomnia montage
  • Multiple Sleep Latency Testing
  • Maintenance of Wakefulness Testing
  • Suggested Immobilization Testing (SIT) for evaluation of Restless Legs Syndrome
  • Actigraphy
  • Dim Light Melatonin Onset Testing

Treatment

The Sleep Disorders Clinic at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is one of the premier sleep disorders clinics in the United States. The clinic was the first in Massachusetts accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. In addition, it remains one of the busiest sleep clinics in New England with an excess of 5,000 patient visits per year.

The Sleep Disorders Clinic is a collaboration of the Department of Neurology and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. The clinic serves as a regional referral center and provides evaluation and care to patients with a variety of sleep disorders.

Comprehensive education and care of patients, as well as close follow up of treatment responses are at the core of the clinic's mission.

In our clinic, a multi-disciplinary team, including neurologists, pulmonologists and psychologists, treat adult patients with the full range of sleep disorders including:

  • Sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnea
  • Insomnia
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Narcolepsy
  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Circadian rhythm disturbances
  • Parasomnias
  • Periodic limb movements of sleep

Treatment methods include the use of positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) and on-site mask fitting sessions. We also help determine whether dental appliances and surgery may be successful ways to treat your sleeping disorder.

Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine

The Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine provides comprehensive care for patients with critical illness, thoracic diseases and sleep-related disorders. We are committed to helping you breathe easier.

Learn More