Sleep Disorders Centers
When Counting Sheep Fails

The benefits of sleep are significant. A lack of sleep or of quality sleep can contribute to strained relationships, a loss of productivity and can be dangerous, putting a person's or other people's lives at risk. In addition, sleep deprivation has been shown to be related to increased motor vehicle accidents and increased rates of depression and other illnesses. Unfortunately, an estimated 40 million Americans suffer from debilitating sleep disorders. The majority who suffer from a sleep disorder have not been diagnosed.

If you answer "yes" to any of the questions below, you may be a candidate for a sleep study to determine if you are affected by a sleep disorder.

• Do you snore?
• Are you excessively tired during the day?
• Do you wake during the night feeling breathless?
• Have you been told you stop breathing during sleep?
• Do you have a history of hypertension?

For those who have problems sleeping or who cannot stay awake during the day, there is help. Appropriate behavioral or pharmacological solutions can often relieve the condition once it is pinpointed.

The Sleep Disorders Centers at Baptist Medical Center Downtown, Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, and Baptist Medical Center South have studied more than 18,000 adults and children with sleep problems, providing diagnosis, management and treatment for:

• Sleep Apnea Syndrome
• Narcolepsy
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Insomnia
• Night Terrors (Sleep Terrors, Pavor Nocturnus)
• Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)
• REM Sleep Behavior Disorders

A good night's sleep is important to your quality of life. If you have problems sleeping, talk to your physician or call one of our Centers for information.

Treatment for Sleep Disorders
In order to be properly diagnosed, patients spend a night in a private room in one of three Baptist Health Sleep Disorders Centers. During this time, sleep patterns, breathing, heart activity and body movements are carefully monitored and recorded. The overnight recording (polysomnogram) is safe and painless.

Once the study is completed, it is reviewed by the staff and physicians at the Sleep Disorders Center. A report with recommendations for treatment is sent to your personal physician.

Most sleep disorders can be effectively treated once they are diagnosed either through medication, a change in daily habits, or through physical intervention.

Sleep Disorders Centers Physicians

• Andrew M. Namen MD, FCCP, D, ABSM (Medical Director)
• Peter Nassar, MD, D, ABSM
• Ian Nathanson, MD, FCCP (Pediatric Medical Director)
• Richard A. Reid, MD, FCCP
• J. Daniel Grigas, MD, FCCP
• Frederick L. Trent, MD, FCCP
• Mark A. Crowe, MD
• Francisco Baraona, MD

Sleep Disorders Centers staff includes registered technologists, registered therapists, and certified technicians.