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Sleep is not the passive state many people once considered it to be. It is now known to be a highly active process during which the day's events are processed and energy is restored. The sleep state is characterized by changes in brain wave activity, breathing, heart rate, body temperature and other physiological functions.

Some functions of the brain and body are actually more active during sleep than during wakefulness. We require various types and depth of sleep (sleep stages) at different times over the course of the night. Sleep patterns can vary greatly depending on age, work schedule, health and other factors. The 2 main types of sleep include non rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. NREM sleep is further broken down into 3 distinct stages: N1, N2 and N3. They are identified by characteristic brain wave patterns. NREM sleep is considered to be physiologically less active. REM sleep is considered to be physiologically active sleep. In fact, brain metabolic activity during REM sleep is often higher or equal to that noted during wakefulness.

Adequate sleep is crucial to proper brain function, hormonal balance and has a significant role in the regulation of body metabolism. Furthermore, any amount of sleep deprivation will result in diminished mental performance. This can range from minor levels of fatigue and irritability to profound impairment in cognitive and behavioral performance. This can result in memory loss, poor job performance, poor social interaction and excessive daytime sleepiness.

The incidence of sleep disorders is very prevalent in the United States. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) Sleep in America poll 2008:

• 2/3 of respondents (65%) report experiencing some sleep problem several nights per week with 44% reporting problems every night or almost every night.
• Nearly on-half (49%) report waking unrefreshed on at least a few nights in the past month
• 42% report waking up frequently during the night, 26% report difficulty falling asleep at least a few nights in the past month (insomnia).
• 33% of adults report that they snore
• 15% report having unpleasant feelings in their legs during the night.

There are over 80 classified sleep disorders. The most common sleep disorders include:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Parasomnias-Unusual behaviors arising from sleep i.e. sleepwalking, teeth grinding etc.

Due to the complexity of many sleep disorders, it is imperative that an individual experiencing a sleep disorder undergo thorough evaluation from a sleep center with the proper credentialing and professional expertise.

Central Florida Sleep Centers is committed to providing expert specialty consultation with Board certified sleep specialists and diagnostic testing in a state of the art sleep laboratories. Central Florida Sleep Centers recently achieved accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The AASM as the national accrediting body for sleep disorder centers and laboratories is the leading voice promoting the highest quality of medical care for those with sleep disorders. AASM accreditation represents the gold standard by which the medical community and the public can evaluate the services provided by a sleep center. The high standards required for accreditation ensure that sleep medicine providers display and maintain proficiency in the evaluation, testing and treatment of patients with sleep disorders.

The physicians and staff at Central Florida Sleep Centers are extremely proud of this achievement, as only a minority of sleep centers in the United States has achieved this distinction. We are one of the few AASM accredited sleep centers in central Florida.

Several studies comparing accredited sleep centers with non-accredited sleep centers have consistently demonstrated significantly better patient education and treatment success in those patients seeking treatment at an accredited sleep center.

Our mission at Central Florida Sleep Centers is to set the community standard in providing expert evaluation of sleep disorders, state of the art diagnostic testing, as well as patient education and support for those suffering from a sleep disorder. We are also committed to providing the medical community and general public with education regarding the recognition and treatment of sleep disorders, as well as promoting the importance of healthy sleep in maintaining a healthy, active and productive life.

James A. Lucio, MD, DABSM serves as the Medical Director for Central Florida Sleep Centers and has over 10 years experience in the specialty of Sleep Medicine. He is Board Certified in 4 specialties: Sleep Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine and Internal Medicine, and has staff privileges with 6 hospitals in the Central Florida area.