December 21, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: ELIZABETH CURLEE RUSSELL

(662) 377-2371

Visit www.nmhs.net for an electronic version of this article.

NMMC-IUKA SLEEP DISORDERS LAB OFFERS

SERVICES FOR AREA RESIDENTS

IUKA, Miss.—My husband snores heavily and often complains about being sleepy during the day. He is about 30 pounds overweight and is 52 years old. His physician recommended that he be evaluated for a sleep disorder. Is this a good idea?

For area residents who experience these symptoms, an evaluation at the North Mississippi Medical Center-Iuka Sleep Disorders Lab can determine if you suffer from a sleep disorder.

“If your sleep is characterized by periods of silence followed by loud, raspy snoring and gasping sounds, and if this happens more than 30 times during a typical night’s sleep, you may have sleep apena,” said Felix Morris, M.D., medical director of the NMMC-Iuka Sleep Disorders Lab.

In addition to excessive snoring, nighttime symptoms of sleep apnea can include abnormal movements while sleeping, as well as choking sensations, headaches and confusion. People with sleep apnea may also be tired during the day because of the lack of sleep at night. The lack of oxygen caused by sleep apnea can “short circuit” the brain, causing a person to become forgetful, inattentive and irritable.

“Patients who stop breathing at intervals during the night or experience daytime sleepiness could potentially benefit from sleep apnea treatment,” said Dr. Morris. “Obese persons with excessive morning fatigue or early morning headaches may also be good candidates for a sleep disorders evaluation.”

According to Dr. Morris, people who respond to treatment report dramatic improvement in energy levels and quality of life. Treatment can reduce the need for medication and has been shown to decrease incidence of sudden death.

For more information on services available at the NMMC-Iuka Sleep Disorders Lab, call (662) 423-4080 or 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

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