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Sleep Lab

Are you having trouble sleeping?

You're not alone. More than 130 million Americans suffer sleep problems. And an estimated 40 million of those are suffering from a sleep disorder. Unfortunately, most of those go undiagnosed and untreated.

But there's good news: Most sleep disorders can be treated - but only if recognized and properly diagnosed. The Sleep Lab at Lowell General Hospital is a specialized facility providing accurate diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related problems.

Sleep disorders can cause problems falling asleep and staying asleep; difficulties staying awake or adhering to a consistent sleep/wake cycle; sleepwalking; bedwetting and nightmares. Sleep apnea - momentary pause in breathing while sleeping - is among the most common disorders. It can interrupt sleep hundreds of times a night. Some sleep disorders are potentially fatal.

Symptoms of potential sleep disorders include:

  • constant drowsiness
  • irritability
  • loud or irregular snoring
  • difficulty breathing during sleep
  • morning headache, sore throat or mouth dryness
  • leg movements
  • sleep at inappropriate times and/or sudden, uncontrollable desire to sleep (narcolepsy)
  • momentary cessation of breathing while sleeping (sleep apnea)
  • sleepwalking
  • bed wetting
  • morning headache, sore throat or mouth dryness

"Sleep is not merely a ‘time out' from daily life. It is essential for mental and physical restoration," says Dr. Joseph W. Walek, director of the Lowell General Sleep Lab. "There are more than 80 known sleeping disorders that can interfere with that vital sleep."

Lack of sleep is not only disruptive - it's dangerous. Each year sleep-related accidents cause death, injuries, lost productivity and cost billions of dollars in health care and damaged property.

There are enough things in life to worry about. Sleep should not be one of them.

Feeling tired today?
Read the National Sleep Foundation's list of Myths & Facts

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