Insomnia Center - Gaithersburg, MD
Gaithersburg Sleep Specialist Doctors for InsomniaType of Physician: Sleep Specialist What is a Sleep Specialist? A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners are trained in the diagnosis and management of clinical conditions that occur during sleep, that disturb sleep, or that are affected by dis Specialty: Sleep Medicine Common Name: Sleep Medicine Sleep Specialist Doctors in Gaithersburg * Pulmonologists PC  Sleep Medicine Inc  Comprehensive Neurology & Sleep Medicine PA  David A Mishkin MD  Natvarlal Rajpara MD  Baltimore Pulmonary and Critical Care PA  David A Mishkin MD  University of Maryland Pulmonary & Critical Care  Pulmonary & Critical Care Associates of Baltimore  Pulmonary & Critical Care Associates of Baltimore Gaithersburg, MarylandUpcoming Local Events2012-06-02
2012-06-16
2012-06-16
2012-06-17
2012-07-07
2012-08-05
2012-10-13
2012-10-13
2012-10-28
2012-10-28
InsomniaWhat is insomnia?Insomnia is defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or both, despite adequate opportunity and time to sleep, leading to impaired daytime functioning. Insomnia may be due to poor quality or quantity of sleep. Insomnia is very common and occurs in 30% to 50% of the general population. Approximately 10% of the population may suffer from chronic (long-standing) insomnia. Insomnia affects people of all ages including children, although it is more common in adults and its frequency increases with age. In general, women are affected more frequently than men. Insomnia may be divided into three classes based on the duration of symptoms.
Insomnia can also be classified based on the underlying reasons for insomnia such as sleep hygiene, medical conditions, sleep disorders, stress factors, and so on. It is important to make a distinction between insomnia and other similar terminology; short duration sleep and sleep deprivation.
What causes insomnia?Insomnia may have many causes and, as described earlier, it can be classified based upon the underlying cause. Situational and stress factors leading... Recommended Reading Related to InsomniaPeriodic Limb Movement Disorder » Introduction to PLMDPeriodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is a sleep disorder characterized by rhythmic movements of the limbs during sleep. The movements typically involve the legs, but upper extremity movements may also occur. Movements occur periodically throughout the night and can fluctuate in severity from one night to the next. They tend to cluster in episodes that last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. These movements are very different from the normal spasms, called hypnic myoclonia, that we often experience initially while trying to fall asleep.
What Causes PLMD?The causes of PLMD are unknown. However recent research has shown that people with a variety of medical problems, including Parkinson's disease and narcolepsy, may have frequent periodic limb movements in sleep. PLMD may be caused by medications, most notably, antidepressants.
What Are the Symptoms of PLMD?Symp... Other Related Insomnia ArticlesEmergency Contact for Gaithersburg
Nearby Gaithersburg Hospitals *Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Adventist Hospital Montgomery General Hospital Suburban Hospital National Institutes of Health Holy Cross Hospital Walter Reed Army Medical Center Sibley Memorial Hospital Psychiatric Institute of Washington  Washington Adventist Hospital  Reston Hospital Center  Inova Loudoun Hospital Center  Georgetown University Hospital  Howard County General Hospital  Laurel Regional Hospital  National Rehabilitation Hospital  Providence Hospital  Washington DC VA Medical Center  Washington Hospital Center  Children's National Medical Center  Virginia Hospital Center  The HSC Pediatric Center  Howard University Hospital  The George Washington University Hospital  Dominion Hospital  North Spring Behavioral Healthcare  Inova Fairfax Hospital  Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children  Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute  The Specialty Hospital of Washington  Inova Fair Oaks Hospital  Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital  Prince George's Hospital Center  Doctors Community Hospital  Graydon Manor Behavioral Health  Springfield Hospital Center  Inova Alexandria Hospital  Saint Elizabeth's Hospital  Frederick Memorial Hospital  Sheppard Pratt at Ellicott City  United Medical Center  The Specialty Hospital of Washington-Hadley  Northwest Hospital  Spring Grove Hospital Center  Inova Mount Vernon Hospital  Kernan Hospital  Saint Agnes Hospital  Prince William Hospital  Baltimore Washington Medical Center  Fort Washington Hospital  Carroll Hospital Center  Bon Secours Baltimore Health System  Southern Maryland Hospital Center  Harbor Hospital Center  Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center & Hospital  Sinai Hospital of Baltimore  Baltimore VA Medical Center  University of Maryland Medical Center  University Specialty Hospital  Maryland General Hospital  Mt Washington Pediatric Hospital  Mercy Medical Center  Union Memorial Hospital  Kennedy Krieger Institute  Johns Hopkins Hospital  Greater Baltimore Medical Center  Sheppard Pratt Health System Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Insomnia by Our Doctors
-
Related Diseases & Conditions
53 articles-
Asthma
- Asthma is a common disorder in which chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchi) makes them swell, narrowing the airways. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough and wheezing.
-
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that lasts 6 months or longer, is not improved by bed rest, and may be worsened by physical or mental activity.
-
Depression
- Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. The principal types of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disease (also called manic-depressive disease).
-
Fibromyalgia
- Fibromyalgia, formerly known as fibrositis, causes chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints without detectable inflammation. Fibromyalgia patients have an unusually low pain threshold. Symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue, abnormal sleep, mental/emotional disturbances, abdominal pain, migraine and tension headaches, and irritable bladder. Treatment of fibromyalgia involves patient education, medication, exercise, and stress reduction.
-
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which the acidified liquid contents of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The symptoms of uncomplicated GERD are heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea. Effective treatment is available for most patients with GERD.
-
Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism is an excess of thyroid hormone resulting from an overactive thyroid gland. Symptoms can include increased heart rate, weight loss, depression, and cognitive slowing. Treatment is by medication, the use of radioactive iodine, thyroid surgery, or reducing the dose of thyroid hormone.
-
Parkinson's Disease
- Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressive neurologic disease characterized by a fixed inexpressive face, a tremor at rest, slowing of voluntary movements, a gait with short accelerating steps, peculiar posture and muscle weakness, caused by degeneration of an area of the brain called the basal ganglia, and by low production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Most patients are over 50, but at least 10 percent are under 40.
-
Stress
- Stress occurs when forces from the outside world impinge on the individual. Stress is a normal part of life. However, over-stress, can be harmful. There is now speculation, as well as some evidence, that points to the abnormal stress responses as being involved in causing various diseases or conditions.
-
Obesity
- Obesity is the state of being well above one's normal weight. A person has traditionally been considered to be obese if they are more than 20 percent over their ideal weight. That ideal weight must take into account the person's height, age, sex, and build.
-
Congestive Heart Failure
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart's function as a pump is inadequate to meet the body's needs. A poor blood supply resulting from congestive heart failure may cause the body's organ systems to fail, leading to a weakened heart muscle and fluid accumulation in the lungs and body tissue. There are many diseases that can impair pumping efficiency and symptoms of congestive heart failure including fatigue, diminished exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and swelling. Treatments include lifestyle modifications, medications, heart transplant, and therapy.
-
Restless Leg Syndrome
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS or restless legs syndrome) is a common cause for painful legs that typically eases with motion, and becomes worse and more noticeable at rest. This characteristic nighttime worsening can frequently lead to insomnia. Treatment of the symptoms of restless leg syndrome is generally with medication as well as treating any underlying condition causing restless leg syndrome.
-
Sleep Apnea
- Sleep apnea is defined as a reduction or cessation of breathing during sleep. The three types of sleep apnea are central apnea, obstructive apnea (OSA), and a mixture of central and obstructive apnea. Central sleep apnea is caused by a failure of the brain to activate the muscles of breathing during sleep. OSA is caused by the collapse of the airway during sleep. OSA is diagnosed and evaluated through patient history, physical examination and polysomnography. There are many complications related to obstructive sleep apnea. Treatments are surgical and non-surgical.
-
Menopause
- Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the “change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician.
-
Pinworms
- Pinworm infection is an intestinal infection caused by a pinworm, seatworm, or threadworm. Female pinworms leave the intestine through the anus and deposit eggs on the skin around the anus while a person is asleep. Pinworm infection is the most common worm infection in the US. Symptoms include anal itching or vaginal itching. Pinworm infection is generally spread by inadequate handwashing from infected persons. Treatment is effective after a diagnosis is made with a pinworm test.
-
Sleep
- A number of vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. Sleep needs vary from individual to individual and change throughout your life. Not getting enough sleep can hurt memory performance, health, and your mood.
-
Biorhythms
- Biologic rhythms, or biorhythms, are how our bodies respond to the regular phases of the sun, moon, and seasons. A medical chronobiologist studies how the "body clock" or biorhythms affect diseases and how the body clock responds to treatment of diseases and conditions at different times of the day.
-
Urinary Incontinence
- There are many types of urinary incontinence (UI), which is the accidental leakage of urine. These types include stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence. Urinary incontinence in men may be caused by prostate or nerve problems. Treatment depends upon the type and severity of the UI and the patient's lifestyle.
-
Rabies
- Rabies is a potentially fatal viral infection. Rabies symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, and can progress to more serious symptoms such as seizures, coma and death. The rabies vaccine (rabies treatment) should be administered immediately after the person or pet has been bitten.
-
Dementia
- Dementia is a significant loss of intellectual abilities such as memory capacity, severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning. There are different criteria classification schemes for dementias such as cortical, subcortical, progressive, primary, and secondary dementias. Other conditions and medication reactions can also cause dementia. Dementia is diagnosed based on a certain set of criteria. Treatment for dementia is generally focused on the symptoms of the disease.
-
Jet Lag
- Jet lag (desynchonosis) is a temporary disorder that results from travel across time zones. Symptoms include anxiety, constipation, headache, nausea, dehydration, diarrhea, confusion, sweating, irritability, and even memory loss.
-
Insomnia Treatment (Sleep Aids and Stimulants)
- Insomnia is difficulty in falling or staying asleep, the absence of restful sleep, or poor quality of sleep. Insomnia is a symptom and not a disease. The most common causes of insomnia are medications, psychological conditions, environmental changes and stressful events. Treatments may include non-drug treatments, over-the-counter medicines, and/or prescription medications.
-
Holiday Depression and Stress
- Though the holidays are a fun time for most, for others, they're a sad, lonely and anxiety-filled time. Get tips on how to avoid depression and stress during the holiday season.
-
Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that tends to occur as the days grow shorter in the fall and winter. Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include tiredness, fatigue, depression, irritability, body aches, poor sleep and overeating.
-
Smoking (How to Quit Smoking)
- Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
-
West Nile Virus
- West Nile virus (West Nile encephalitis) is a brain infection caused by a virus. People become infected with the virus after they're bitten by a mosquito that has fed off of a bird that's infected with the West Nile virus. Symptoms in humans include fever, headache, rash, body ache, and swollen lymph nodes.
-
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a psychiatric condition, can develop after any catastrophic life event. Symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, sweating, rapid heart rate, detachment, amnesia, sleep problems, irritability, and exaggerated startle response. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, group support, and medication.
-
Narcolepsy
- Narcolepsy, a chronic disease of the central nervous system causes have not been fully determined. Some theories include abnormalities in hypocretin neurons in the brain or an autoimmune disorder. Symptoms of narcolepsy include excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, disturbed nocturnal sleep, and automatic behavior. Diagnosis of narcolepsy is based on a clinical evaluation, specific questionnaires, sleep logs or diaries, and the results of sleep laboratory tests. Treatments of narcolepsy symptoms include medication and lifestyle changes.
-
Chronic Pain
- Chronic pain is pain (an unpleasant sense of discomfort) that persists or progresses over a long period of time. In contrast to acute pain that arises suddenly in response to a specific injury and is usually treatable, chronic pain persists over time and is often resistant to medical treatments.
-
Bipolar Disorder
- Bipolar disorder (or manic depression) is a mental illness characterized by depression, mania, and severe mood swings. Treatment may incorporate mood stabilizer medications, antidepressants, and psychotherapy.
- See All Related Diseases & Conditions »
-
Asthma
-
Medications
15 articles -
Procedures & Tests
0 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
19 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
11 articles -
Health News
49 articles -
Health Features
19 articles
