Sleep Disorders

Snoring, sleep apneas and insomnia can make for long nights and rough mornings. Sleep disorders specialists at MUSC Health help you get the quality sleep you need to be at your best. We use the latest treatments to care for adults and children of all ages. Our successful track record is one of the many reasons people from all over South Carolina come to MUSC Health. 

Sleep Disorders We Treat

Trouble falling or staying asleep

• Long-lasting insomnia

Difficulty staying awake

• Abnormal daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia), for example narcolepsy

Sleep-related breathing disorders or disturbances

• Central sleep apneas
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Snoring

Other sleep disorders

• Night terrors, which are outbursts during sleep that include screaming, kicking and thrashing
• Periodic limb movement disorders, such as repetitive leg jerks during sleep
• Other unusual behaviors during sleep
• Sleepwalking

What are Sleep Apneas?

There are two types of sleep apnea:

• Central sleep apnea occurs when there’s a problem with the brain signals that control your breathing
• Obstructive sleep apnea happens when muscles sag or collapse temporarily blocking your airway

These conditions cause snoring or temporary pauses in breathing. Some people wake up gasping for air, but many people sleep through these symptoms and don’t know there is a problem. In many cases, a person’s bed partner notices snorting or loud snoring.

You may also notice sleep apnea symptoms during the day, including:

• Headache or sore throat upon waking
• Tiredness throughout the day
• Mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness
• Sleepiness when driving

Treatments may include medical or surgical treatments.  

What is Sleep Apnea Surgery and Inspire?

We deliver the best available sleep disorders care, including the latest treatments. We offer sleep apnea surgery for difficult-to-treat CPAP intolerant obstructive sleep apnea.

Learn more about sleep surgery. 

What is Insomnia?

When you can’t sleep at night, you may have insomnia. This condition may also cause daytime difficulties including mood disorders and trouble focusing. Insomnia includes trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up early in the morning.

There are many possible insomnia causes. MUSC Health sleep disorders specialists explore all of them. In many cases, it’s a symptom of other problems, such as:

• Chronic pain
• Digestive problems, including gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
• Drinking too much caffeine during the day
• Eating too close to bedtime
• Mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety
• Other medical problems, including long-lasting (chronic) pain

Insomnia treatment may include medications for a short period to help you establish a regular sleeping pattern. We help you maintain healthy sleep patterns with additional insomnia treatments such as:

• Education about healthy sleep habits and how you can work toward achieving them
• Lifestyle changes including limiting caffeine and evening activities
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi): This treatment helps you address thoughts and feelings that are preventing you from sleeping. We also give you helpful tips such as how to create a comfortable sleep environment that will lead to better sleep. CBTi-trained psychologists offer this treatment, which helps you achieve long-term insomnia relief.

Contact Us 

If you are a new patient, please call 843-792-5864 for sleep medicine, 843-792-3531 for sleep and facial skeletal surgery, or complete our online appointment request form.

Existing patients may call 843-792-9534.