COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Having trouble sleeping at night? Well you're not alone. There are some very common ailments that keep people from getting some sleep. There’s work being done right here in the Midlands to fight back against disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia and narcolepsy that keep people up at night.
A new center right here in Columbia is helping patients finally get a good night's sleep.
Charles Conway was taking naps every single day. The 37 year old student wasn't getting much done in the classroom and couldn't concentrate so he looked to the SleepMed center at providence hospital northeast for help.
"I would sleep 6 to 7 hours a night but I would wake up every hour to see what time it was," says Conway. "I was having a lot of trouble sleeping at night and my wife told me that sometimes I would actually stop breathing."
Dr. Greg Cauthen says the earlier the better when it comes to identifying and treating sleep disorders.
"Most people come to the center recognizing that they are sleepy during the day, they snore, and have trouble getting a good nights sleep."
He says sleep deprived patients can develop serious cardiovascular and neurological problems.
Dr. Cauthen says, "Being sleepy during the day and not getting enough sleep is usually attributed to someone who has a lot of other medical problems." He adds that an overnight stay in the sleep center can help diagnose sleep problems, and get patients like Conway back to enjoying a healthy night’s sleep and a fatigue free day.
"I feel a lot more rested during the day,” says Conway. “My classes are going better and my wife appreciates that I don't snore a lot."
Dr. Cauthen says not everyone who snores has sleep apnea or another sleep disorder. But if you are concerned, talk to your doctor.
If you are interested in learning more about sleep disorders, Providence is hosting their speaking of your health: get a better night’s sleep on Thursday, September 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Providence Hospitals, Midlands Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
Conference Room 2, Providence Hospital at 2435 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29205
Call Providence Health Connect toll-free, 24 hours a day to register for this free seminar at 877-256-5381.
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