Patient-Centered Treatment of Complex Sleep Disorders
At UConn Health, we recognize that good sleep is essential to good health. Our multidisciplinary Sleep Disorders Center offers expert care to evaluate and treat a variety of complex sleep disorders.
Comprehensive Sleep Disorder Care
The Sleep Disorders Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Our patients receive a comprehensive sleep evaluation with state-of-the-art equipment and a personalized treatment plan. We work with many durable medical equipment companies and various insurance companies, including Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies.
Our Unique Sleep Disorder Approach
Our dedicated team is committed to the best possible patient experience. Coming from a range of backgrounds, we are able to offer tailored approaches to sleep care. Notably, we have a strong team dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of narcolepsy and offer cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia. We also have a sleep medicine fellowship program designed to train the next generation of clinicians in sleep disorders. Fellows work two days in the clinic with our center’s chief.
Sleep Disorders We Treat
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. This condition can result in disrupted sleep, loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness and other health issues, making it crucial to diagnose and treat sleep apnea to prevent long-term complications.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is the irresistible urge, often feeling similar to pinpricks, to move one's legs while lying down or attempting to fall asleep. While there is no cure for RLS, our sleep experts are here to help manage the condition, leading to better and more restful sleep.
Chronic Insomnia
Chronic insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restorative sleep. It can lead to significant daytime impairment and decreased overall quality of life. Chronic insomnia can result from various factors, including stress, medical conditions, or lifestyle habits, and it often requires a comprehensive approach to effectively manage and treat.
Narcolepsy/Idiopathic Insomnia
Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden and uncontrollable sleep attacks, and disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle. It often involves symptoms such as cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations during transitions between wakefulness and sleep. Idiopathic insomnia, on the other hand, is a rare and chronic sleep disorder with no apparent underlying cause. Individuals with idiopathic insomnia experience persistent difficulty falling asleep and maintaining sleep throughout their lives, despite a strong desire for normal sleep.
Shift Work Disorder
Shift work disorder is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that affects individuals who work non-traditional hours, such as night shifts or rotating shifts. It is characterized by difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep and experiencing restorative sleep due to the misalignment of work hours with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. This condition can result in chronic sleep deprivation, leading to fatigue, impaired concentration, and increased risk of accidents.
Parasomnias (Nightmare Disorder, Sleepwalking)
Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal behaviors, movements, emotions, or perceptions that occur during sleep. These events can range from sleepwalking and night terrors to sleep talking and REM sleep behavior disorder, where individuals physically act out their dreams. Parasomnias can disrupt sleep patterns and, in some cases, pose safety risks, making it important to understand and manage these conditions with appropriate medical guidance.
Treatments for Sleep Disorders
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on addressing the underlying thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to sleep problems, helping individuals develop healthier sleep habits and improve their sleep quality. This type of treatment typically works best for those with chronic insomnia.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (Cpap) & Other Devices for Sleep Apnea
CPAP devices are the most commonly used treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. A standard CPAP unit delivers constant airflow while breathing in and out through a nasal mask or one that goes over both the nose and mouth. Current CPAP masks are smaller and more comfortable than previous versions, and our sleeping health experts will show you how to effectively use and maintain your sleeping aid machine twice a year during follow-up visits.
Lifestyle Changes
Improving sleep quality can often be achieved through simple lifestyle changes. These include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine close to bedtime, limiting screen time before sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress through relaxation techniques. We work with you to encourage better sleep hygiene and overall improved sleep.
Sleep Studies
Studies are only done on patients who are 16 and over.
Polysomnograms (nPSG)
We are an AASM-certified lab and offer all available testing, including polysomnograms when applicable to the patient. A nocturnal sleep study, or polysomnogram, is a recording that measures various physiologic parameters used to identify sleep stages and possible sleep disorders, especially narcolepsy. The activities recorded during sleep include brain waves (EEG), eye movements, muscle activity (EMG), heart rate, and snoring. The application of small electrodes and sensors are used to record this information into a computer for later analysis. Generally, patients arrive approximately 2 hours before their “usual” bedtime to prepare for their study. Testing usually lasts from 8 to 10 hours.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
If a patient’s symptoms indicate narcolepsy, they may have an additional test called an MSLT. This test is generally performed in the morning after a full night polysomnogram. This means that patients will need to remain at the center for most of the next day. This test consists of a series of brief naps at 2-hour intervals. The MSLT is designed to evaluate the degree of daytime sleepiness and fatigue in subjects referred to the center.
Titration Studies (CPAP/Bi-Level)
Some patients may not tolerate standard CPAP and may benefit from a bi-level sleep study. Bi-level units often improve compliance because of the reduced pressure used during expiration.