Sleep and Breathing Disorders

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UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Sleep and Breathing Disorders Clinic brings together the latest treatment advances and experienced specialists across many fields, offering each patient an innovative, individualized approach to his or her condition.

Our clinic is among the most advanced sleep centers in the nation. Accredited by both the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and The Joint Commission, we are unique in our ability to accurately diagnose and treat both sleep disorders and respiratory difficulties caused by neurological and musculoskeletal disorders.

Innovative Solutions to Sleep and Breathing Problems

UT Southwestern offers the full spectrum of diagnostic techniques and effective treatment options for patients with primary sleep disorders and breathing disorders related to neuromuscular and musculoskeletal diseases.

Our multidisciplinary medical team includes board-certified clinicians in sleep medicine, pulmonology, neurology, psychiatry, family medicine, otolaryngology, and oral and maxillofacial surgery, as well as certified sleep technologists and licensed respiratory therapists with years of clinical experience.

UT Southwestern clinicians tailor each patient’s comprehensive evaluation to a specific diagnosis and treatment plan.

Sleep Disorders

Our specialists have expertise in the management of an extensive range of sleep disorders, from the most common to the most complex.

Sleep disorders treated at UT Southwestern include:

Central sleep apnea and Cheyne-Stokes respirations
Circadian rhythm disorders, such as advanced sleep phase syndrome, delayed sleep phase syndrome, and shift work circadian disorder
Jet lag (time zone change) syndromes
Insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep)
Narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnolence
Nightmares
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Parasomnias
Periodic limb movements
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD)
Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Sleep paralysis

Breathing Disorders

Our Breathing Disorders Program focuses on the comprehensive assessment and management of respiratory insufficiency related to neurological and musculoskeletal disorders, such as:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Diaphragm disorders (diaphragm paralysis)
Kyphoscoliosis and scoliosis
Multiple system atrophy (MSA)
Muscular dystrophies such as Duchenne, Becker, and limb-girdle
Myasthenia gravis
Myopathies (congenital, metabolic, and polymyositis)
Myotonic dystrophy
Post-polio syndrome
Spinal cord injury requiring respiratory support
Vocal fold dysfunction

Sleep and Breathing Disorders in Children

Sleep and breathing disorders are common in children. Young people can experience sleep apnea (also called sleep-disordered breathing), parasomnias such as sleepwalking, insomnia, and excessive sleepiness throughout childhood and teenage years. These problems can cause irritability, decreased performance at school, learning difficulties, and even car crashes.

UT Southwestern Pediatric Group’s Sleep Disorders Center at Children’s Health offers state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment for pediatric and adolescent sleep disorders from board-certified sleep medicine, pulmonary, and ear, nose, and throat specialists. Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, our sleep center is staffed by specially trained sleep technologists who have a strong background in respiratory therapy and/or sleep technology.

Learn more about our Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Program.