Sleep Medicine
MEDICAL CENTER PADOVA
What is sleep medicine
Over the last years, science has deepened the study and research on sleep, and today there is more clarity on the importance of sleep to our wellbeing. We spend 30% of our life sleeping. Sleep is so important that “sleep deprivation” is a torture technique. We have all experienced how difficult is to deal with daily operations if we hadn’t sleep the night before; just think what it would be like if we slept poorly all nights; also, think about all health conditions arising from poor sleep.
Sleep apnea and insomnia are among the most frequent problems related to sleep quality.
Today, it is estimated that, in Italy, 20% of population (12 million people) suffers from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Among them, only 600,000 have been officially diagnosed with OSAS, and only 250,000 are in treatment.
SLEEP DISORDERS
Who is more likely to be affected by OSAS?
OSAS is frequent both in adults and children.
Adults: although OSAS are more frequent in overweight men (over 40) and women (over 50), all adults can suffers of this syndrome, which can only be identified through an ad-hoc exam.
There are some signs, however, that may suggest the presence of OSAS: frequent snoring, irritability, poor concentration, drowsiness, hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome (high cholesterol), nocturia and reduced libido.
In particular, persons suffering from atrial fibrillation or, more widely, cardiac arrhythmia, or that have experienced vascular problems (angina pectoris, heart attack, TIA or cerebral ictus) should have their sleep tested.
Children: at this age range, symptoms are more difficult to decipher. We should take into consideration a sleep disorder when the child prevalently breaths through mouth or snores, or if he is irritable, or his/her school performance has dropped, or in case there is a growth delay.
While day drowsiness is quite common in adults, it is quite rare in children. It is estimated that 50% of children currently diagnosed with attention deficit disorder are, in fact, affected by OSAS.
SLEEP DISORDERS
How can Medical Center Padova help you?
The Ministry of Health has underlined the importance of sleep for health, and since the OSAS also involve dentistry, dental specialists have been recognized as an “outpost” for the identification of patients affected by such syndrome.
Our research in this field has led to the conclusion that most patients have difficulty to find sleep specialists and adequate treatment for their problems. For this reason, we have created a unique team dedicated to sleep disorders, involving different specialists: pulmonologist, ENT, dentist, nutritionist, psychologist and cardiologist. By sharing information and formulating joint diagnosis, they can address the specific needs of a patent, developing a personalized and effective treatment. A joint-specialty approach is today considered the best approach for diagnosing and treating this syndrome.
SLEEP DISORDERS
Recognition of symptoms
FATIGUE AND DROWSINESS
OSAS manifests itself with fatigue and day sleepiness. Patients affected by these symptoms have difficulty to manage daily work routine and social engagements.
ANXIETY AND IRRITABILITY
Excessive anxiety status and propensity to irascibility may arise from sleep disorders. In these case, it is advisable to arrange proper checkups.
ATTENTION DEFICIT SYNDROME
Comprehension difficulties and lack of concentration can result from bad resting. Attention deficit issues are part of the symptoms caused by poor sleep quality.
MOOD DISORDER
Mood can also be affected by poor sleep, especially if the subject shifts from a state of euphoria to one of depression.
SLEEP DISORDERS
Make our tests for self-evaluation
Many people are not aware of their sleep disorders. Take some time to do the following tests. They are purely indicative, but useful to make a first step to a solution. Then, give us a call for an in-depth screening.
SLEEP DISORDERS
Epworth Scale Test
The test, composed by 8 simple questions, can provide useful information on the level of day drowsiness. It’s useful for the diagnosis of sleep disorders and assesses the probability of dozing off or falling asleep in different circumstances.
SLEEP DISORDERS
STOP-Bang Questionnaire
It’s a screening tool that collect and summarizes data on the following indicators: snoring, tiredness during daytime, observed apnea, high blood pressure, body mass index, age, neck circumference, gender. It is useful to assess the risk of OSAS.
SLEEP DISORDERS
Our Sleep Specialists
Are you looking for more information or do you need a consultation?
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FINANCING SUPPORT
Medical Center Padova offers different and customizable forms of payment to its customers. On request, our customers can apply for consumer credit agreements with primary bank institutions, 12 months with 0% interest rate or 24-48 months financing with a subsidized rate.