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The Sleep Center provides a comfortable, home-like environment for sleep studies. |
The
Fauquier Health Sleep Center reopened May 22, to diagnose and treat patients
who are suffering from sleep disorders. The Sleep Center helps those who have
problems with normal, restorative sleep – who experience symptoms of
obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder or narcolepsy. Sleep
deprivation can result in excessive daytime
sleepiness
and cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, heart rhythm
abnormalities and stroke.
The
Sleep Center’s Syed Murtaza, M.D., is board certified in psychiatry and
neurology as well as sleep medicine. He can evaluate symptoms, determine
whether testing is called for – either a
home
sleep study or an in-lab study – and what course of treatment might be
required.
Dr. Murtaza has been focusing on sleep
medicine for ten years. He says that obstructive sleep apnea is the most common
sleep problem he sees; it is caused by the throat muscles becoming too relaxed
during sleep, allowing the airway to collapse and shut off the air supply.
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Dr. Syed Murtaza is a sleep medicine specialist. |
Although sleep apnea can have a disastrous
effect on a person’s health, patients frequently don’t even know they have it.
It is often the spouse or partner who observes the symptoms, including:
Loud snoring - Frequent silences during sleep due to breaks in breathing (apnea)
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Sudden awakenings or waking up in a sweat
- Daytime sleepiness
Dr. Murtaza says, “A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
machine is still the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnea, but
dental devices and ENT surgeries can work for some people. CPAP machines have
improved drastically in recent years. The masks that go over the nose and mouth
are much softer and more comfortable, and the machines have technology that
allows them to ramp up slowly. In the first half hour, the air pushes through
the machine gently, then, when the person is asleep, the machine increases the
air pressure up to a therapeutic level.”
The Sleep Center's diagnostic in-lab study is
non-invasive. State-of-the-art computerized equipment monitors up to 20
biological and neurological sleep factors while the patient sleeps in a
comfortable, home-like environment. Sleep studies are considered a hospital
outpatient service and are covered by most major health plans.
Dr. Murtaza says, “Although medication can help a number
of sleep disorders – insomnia, restless legs or narcolepsy, for instance – lifestyle
changes can be very effective for improving sleep. We often work on sleep
hygiene, healthy eating, working toward an ideal body weight and drinking
responsibly (and not too close to bedtime).
If you think you or your partner may be experiencing
sleep deprivation, talk to your physician and request a referral for a sleep
consult. Dr. Murtaza will evaluate your symptoms and may recommend either a
home study or an in-lab study. He can then evaluate the study results and
determine a course of treatment.
The
Sleep Center is located on the third floor of the Warrenton Professional
Building, at 493 Blackwell Road in Warrenton. For more information, call 540-316-2660.
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