Treatments

Mr. Lawson specializes in delivering telehealth services to patients with sleep apnea across Texas, encompassing areas such as Houston, Addicks Park Ten, Willowbrook, Lakewood Forest, Hockley, Westbranch, Cypress, Galveston, Canyon City, Copperfield Place, and Texas City. Sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder, is characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep. These interruptions, occurring potentially hundreds of times each night, result from blocked airways caused by factors like enlarged tonsils, obesity, cardiovascular problems, smoking, family history, nasal congestion, and relaxed throat muscles.

There are different types of sleep apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea. OSA, the most prevalent form, involves the closure of the soft tissue at the back of the throat, obstructing the airway. Central sleep apnea occurs when the airway remains open, but the brain fails to send signals for breathing. Mixed sleep apnea combines features of both obstructive and central types.

Patients with sleep apnea may experience symptoms such as loud snoring, waking with a dry mouth or sore throat, insomnia, and abrupt awakenings during the night. Additionally, excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and tiredness are common due to disrupted sleep patterns.

Diagnosis of sleep apnea involves a comprehensive physical examination and a review of symptoms. Sleep specialists may conduct various diagnostic sleep tests, including overnight monitoring of breathing and other body functions during sleep. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and reducing alcohol consumption, to the use of nasal training devices. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy involves wearing a pressurized mask to keep the airway open during sleep.

In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical options may be considered. Surgical procedures aim to remove excess tissue from the nose or throat, opening upper air passages. Procedures like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, maxillomandibular advancement, tracheostomy, thermal ablation palatoplasty, genioglossus and hyoid advancement, and septoplasty and turbinate surgery may be recommended.

Custom-made oral appliances are another avenue for treating sleep apnea. These devices are designed to open the throat by bringing the jaw forward, providing relief from snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea. Overall, Mr. Lawson offers a comprehensive approach to address sleep apnea, tailoring treatments to individual patient needs for improved sleep quality and overall well-being.

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, where individuals may struggle to stay awake for extended periods and may experience spontaneous, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the daytime. While the specific cause of narcolepsy remains unknown, it is believed to be influenced by genetic factors, stress, or an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, potentially related to low levels of the neurochemical hypocretin.

The symptoms of narcolepsy include excessive daytime sleepiness, disrupted nighttime sleep, fatigue, tiredness, and sleep paralysis. Some individuals with narcolepsy may also exhibit other neurological or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or insomnia. Cataplexy, characterized by sudden muscle tone loss leading to weakness, slurred speech, and temporary paralysis, is another symptom. Additionally, individuals with narcolepsy may experience dream-like hallucinations during the transition between sleep and wakefulness.

Diagnosing narcolepsy involves a thorough examination of the patient's medical and sleep history. Blood tests may be conducted to rule out underlying conditions, and diagnostic tests such as EEG and ECG may be employed. Sleep tests, including polysomnogram and multiple sleep latency test, are often performed in specialized sleep centers.

Although there is currently no cure for narcolepsy, various treatment options aim to manage symptoms and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. Treatment may include the use of antidepressants, stimulants to promote wakefulness, and other medications. Home-based strategies like maintaining a regular sleep schedule, incorporating scheduled naps, and engaging in regular exercise can also be beneficial. Patients with narcolepsy may find relief by avoiding alcohol and nicotine.

Our practice extends telehealth services to patients with narcolepsy, catering to locations throughout Texas, including cities like Houston, Cypress, Galveston, Canyon Lake, Addicks Park Ten, Willowbrook, Copperfield Place, Westbranch, Lakewood Forest, Texas City, Hockley, and Port Arthur. Through a personalized and comprehensive treatment approach, individuals with narcolepsy can effectively manage their condition and improve their overall well-being under Mr. Lawson's care.

Insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, affects approximately 1 in 10 people in the United States. Our practice offers telehealth services to treat insomnia for patients across Texas. There are two types of insomnia: primary and secondary. Primary insomnia occurs without any other medical condition, often linked to factors like stress, trauma, anxiety, or changes in schedule. Secondary insomnia is caused by another medical disorder or medications.

Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling or staying asleep, daytime fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, increased mistakes or accidents, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Diagnosis involves a physical examination, medical history, and sometimes blood tests or a sleep diary.

Treatment depends on the cause. For secondary insomnia, addressing the underlying medical condition or adjusting medications may be necessary. Primary insomnia can be treated with behavioral changes, medications for anxiety or depression, and sleep medications. Treatment approaches include relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, changing sleep patterns, sleep restriction, and light therapy. Patients are often advised to make small lifestyle changes, such as limiting bedroom activities to sleep and sex.

Locations served include cities like Houston, Addicks Park Ten, Westbranch, Willowbrook, Lakewood Forest, Hockley, Copperfield Place, Cypress, Texas City, Canyon Lake, Port Arthur, and Galveston.

Our Veteran Support for PTSD and OSA program provides specialized telemedicine care designed to address the unique needs of veterans struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Through comprehensive evaluations, evidence-based PTSD therapies, and personalized sleep solutions such as CPAP therapy and alternative treatments, we help veterans improve their mental health and sleep quality.

Additionally, we offer expertly crafted Nexus Letters to support VA disability claims, helping veterans establish a clear service connection for their conditions. Our experienced providers understand the complexities of the VA claims process and work closely with you to ensure you receive the proper care, documentation, and benefits you deserve. With compassionate, veteran-focused care, we are committed to helping you regain restful sleep, mental well-being, and a better quality of life.

Bruxism is a disorder characterized by teeth grinding, gnashing, or clenching, often occurring at night. While occasional grinding is harmless, frequent episodes can lead to dental damage and other oral complications. Individuals with bruxism are at a higher risk of experiencing sleep-related disorders like snoring or sleep apnea. Risk factors include jaw abnormalities, stress, anxiety, other sleep disorders, and dental issues.

Symptoms of bruxism include enamel wear, chipped or fractured teeth, inner cheek or tongue damage, facial or jaw pain, tight jaw muscles, earaches, temple headaches, difficulty sleeping, increased tooth sensitivity, and a clicking sound in the jaw. Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection.

Treatment options involve lifestyle changes, relaxation exercises, and using a custom mouth guard at night to protect teeth. In severe cases, muscle relaxants, orthodontic adjustments, or surgery may be considered. Damaged teeth should be addressed by consulting a dentist. Bruxism in children, while often resolving on its own, should be monitored to prevent complications.

Our practice provides telehealth services for patients with bruxism in Texas, including locations such as Houston, Cypress, Port Arthur, Canyon Lake, Addicks Park Ten, Willowbrook, Hockley, Copperfield Place, Westbranch, Lakewood Forest, Texas City, and Galveston.

A polysomnogram is a comprehensive test used to evaluate patients for potential sleep disorders, monitoring various physiological processes during sleep. Typically conducted at a sleep center, it can also be self-administered at home using a portable device. The test assesses both rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, with NREM having four stages distinguished by changing electrical activity in the brain.

Reasons for undergoing a polysomnogram include snoring, daytime sleepiness, and night disturbances like nightmares or bedwetting. Conditions diagnosed through polysomnograms include obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, hypersomnia, parasomnias, restless sleep, and REM abnormalities. However, circadian sleep-cycle disorders cannot be detected by polysomnograms.

During the procedure, conducted at a sleep clinic, the patient arrives two hours before bedtime, refrains from sleep medication or alcohol, and is monitored using sensors attached to various body parts. The recorded data includes respiration, blood oxygen levels, body position, brain waves (EEG), muscle activity, eye movement, and heart rate. Video devices may also capture sleep patterns for observation.

Our practice provides information on polysomnograms and other sleep tests through telehealth services, treating patients in Texas and cities like Addicks Park Ten, Willowbrook, Lakewood Forest, Hockley, Copperfield Place, Westbranch, Houston, Cypress, Texas City, Galveston, Canyon Lake, and Port Arthur. If sleep disturbances affect daily life and health, a consultation with a sleep specialist can lead to an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan for better sleep patterns and overall well-being.

Patients diagnosed with sleep apnea may undergo a sleep study test to determine the most suitable treatment. One common method is using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. This device, which involves wearing a mask over the mouth and nose, delivers air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep, restoring normal breathing.

Before prescribing a CPAP device, patients may undergo a sleep study test with a CPAP device to assess the severity of sleep apnea and determine the appropriate equipment levels for therapy. This enables the doctor to create a personalized treatment plan.

During the CPAP test, patients receive a portable monitor to measure sleep activity and a CPAP device. Strapped over the nose and mouth, the device automatically adjusts air pressure to find the optimal level preventing airway collapse during sleep. The test requires at least two hours of sleep for accurate results.

After the test, patients return the monitor and device to their doctor, who interprets the results and creates an individualized treatment plan. If CPAP therapy is deemed effective, the patient may be fitted for a mask and provided with a CPAP unit for home use. Dr. Lawson offers information on CPAP tests and other sleep-related matters through telehealth services, serving patients in Texas and cities like Addicks Park Ten, Willowbrook, Lakewood Forest, Hockley, Copperfield Place, Westbranch, Houston, Cypress, Texas City, Galveston, Canyon Lake, and Port Arthur.

Idiopathic Hypersomnia is a rare sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness without a clear cause. Unlike other hypersomnia disorders, idiopathic hypersomnia lacks a specific identifiable reason for the excessive sleepiness, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact factors contributing to the condition. While the exact risk factors are not well-defined, idiopathic hypersomnia can affect individuals of any age, with onset often occurring in adolescence or early adulthood. The disorder may persist throughout one's life, impacting daily functioning and overall quality of life.

Common symptoms of idiopathic hypersomnia include persistent daytime sleepiness, despite getting adequate nighttime sleep, as well as difficulty waking up from naps, prolonged nighttime sleep, and impaired cognitive function. Individuals with idiopathic hypersomnia often struggle to stay awake during the day, experiencing a constant feeling of fatigue and drowsiness. This excessive sleepiness can significantly interfere with daily activities, work, and social interactions, leading to a diminished overall well-being.

Treatment for idiopathic hypersomnia focuses on managing symptoms and improving wakefulness. While there is no cure, medications such as stimulants, including modafinil or amphetamines, may be prescribed to promote alertness. Lifestyle adjustments, including maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, strategic napping, and avoiding substances that may worsen sleepiness (such as alcohol and sedatives), can also be beneficial. Our practice provides telehealth services for patients with idiopathic hypersomnia across Texas, including cities such as Addicks Park Ten, Willowbrook, Lakewood Forest, Hockley, Copperfield Place, Westbranch, Houston, Cypress, Texas City, Galveston, Canyon Lake, and Port Arthur, offering comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans to improve the lives of those affected by this sleep disorder.

A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a diagnostic tool used to assess patients for potential sleep disorders, specifically focusing on excessive daytime sleepiness and the tendency to fall asleep quickly in different situations. This test is often performed at a sleep center and is crucial for evaluating conditions such as narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. Unlike polysomnograms, MSLTs primarily focus on daytime sleep tendencies rather than nighttime sleep patterns.

Reasons for an MSLT include patients experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, struggling to stay awake during the day, or exhibiting unusual sleep patterns. The MSLT procedure involves a series of naps scheduled throughout the day, during which the patient is monitored for signs of sleep onset. This test aims to measure the time it takes for the patient to fall asleep during these designated nap opportunities.

During the MSLT procedure, sensors are attached to various parts of the patient's head to monitor physiological indicators such as brain waves (EEG), eye movement, and muscle activity. The patient arrives at the sleep clinic, and the naps are scheduled at regular intervals. It is important that the patient refrains from sleep medication or alcohol before the test. The results of the MSLT help the sleep specialist in diagnosing conditions related to excessive daytime sleepiness.

Our practice provides information on MSLTs and other sleep tests through telehealth services, catering to patients across Texas, including cities like Addicks Park Ten, Willowbrook, Lakewood Forest, Hockley, Copperfield Place, Westbranch, Houston, Cypress, Texas City, Galveston, Canyon Lake, and Port Arthur. If excessive daytime sleepiness is affecting daily life and health, consulting a sleep specialist for an MSLT can lead to an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan for improved wakefulness.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, often accompanied by an irresistible urge to move them to relieve the discomfort. To diagnose and assess RLS, sleep specialists may use a variety of tools, including clinical evaluations and, if necessary, a sleep test. Unlike polysomnograms and MSLTs that focus on sleep patterns, these assessments aim to understand the specific symptoms and behaviors associated with RLS.

Patients who may be experiencing symptoms such as tingling, itching, or aching sensations in the legs, especially when at rest, may undergo evaluations for RLS. The diagnostic process involves a thorough examination of symptoms, medical history, and potential contributing factors. Additionally, a sleep study or polysomnogram may be recommended to observe sleep patterns and rule out other sleep disorders that may mimic RLS symptoms.

While there isn't a specific test designed solely for RLS, sleep specialists may utilize comprehensive assessments and may ask patients to describe their symptoms, including the timing, frequency, and severity. The goal is to identify the distinctive features of RLS and differentiate it from other conditions.

Our practice provides information on RLS and related assessments through telehealth services, offering support to patients across Texas, including cities like Addicks Park Ten, Willowbrook, Lakewood Forest, Hockley, Copperfield Place, Westbranch, Houston, Cypress, Texas City, Galveston, Canyon Lake, and Port Arthur. If individuals are experiencing symptoms suggestive of RLS, consulting with a sleep specialist can lead to an accurate diagnosis and the development of a personalized treatment plan to alleviate discomfort and improve sleep quality.