Sleep Disorders Center

Established in 1982, St. Mary's Sleep Disorders Center was the first fully accredited member of the American Sleep Disorders Association in East Tennessee. St. Mary's uses the latest technology available to diagnose and treat a diverse variety of sleep/wake disorders. The highly specialized team of professionals at St. Mary's Sleep Disorders Center is dedicated to determining the specific causes of and appropriate treatment for your particular sleep problems.

If you experience frequent or occasional problems with sleep, you are not alone. Approximately one-third of all Americans have a sleep problem at one or more times during their lives. For these individuals, sleep can be anything but restful.

Sleep disorders may take many forms. Some disorders keep you from falling asleep or staying asleep. Others make you excessively sleepy during the day. Sleep disorders can cause morning headaches, high blood pressure, memory loss, and even depression.

A good night's sleep is important to your health and well-being. While the majority of sleep problems are not life-threatening, some can result in serious medical conditions. Successful treatment of sleep disturbances can dramatically improve your quality of life.

Types of Sleep Disorders Treated At St. Mary's Sleep Disorders Center

Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; waking earlier than normal. Insomnia can be caused by a variety of medical and/or behavioral factors, such as shift work, stress, or poor sleep habits.

Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Brief pauses of breathing throughout the night; snoring, snorting, and gasping for breath; morning headaches; excessive daytime sleepiness; unexplained high blood pressure.

Nocturnal Myoclonus & Restless Leg Syndrome: Legs thrash or move about despite attempts to keep legs still or get them comfortable; involuntary leg and/or arm jerks while attempting to sleep. Other symptoms include aching muscles upon awakening and/or creeping/crawling sensations in the legs.

Narcolepsy: Sleep attacks; sudden muscular weakness in response to extreme emotions; vivid nightmares or brief paralysis upon falling asleep or awakening.

Gastroesophageal Reflux: Heartburn, coughing, or wheezing during sleep; frequent sore throats and/or hoarseness. These symptoms often result in an insomnia problem.

Parasomnias: Sleepwalking, sleeptalking, night terrors, and severe nightmares.

St. Mary's has a Sleep Support Group for those suffering from sleep apnea or other types of sleep disorders. Click here for the next support group meeting.

Click here for any events associated with sleep disorders.

Click here to view and print the Sleep Disorders Center brochure.

St. Mary's Sleep Disorders Center is a leader in innovation and creative treatment approaches that meet the needs of those we serve. For more information, please call (865) 545-7529 or send an e-mail to Steve Plenzler, Ph.D., Director of Sleep Disorders Center, at splenzle@stmaryshealth.com.