Restful sleep is very important to your health -- not too much or too little, but just the right amount. About 12 percent of Americans have intermittent sleep problems, such as insomnia. These problems can often be relieved by following our sleep tips for mild sleep problems.

Another 15 percent of Americans have more serious sleep disorders that can interfere with the ability to fall asleep and maintain sleep, or can cause excessive daytime sleepiness. These sleep disorders, which affect all types of people at all ages, stem from a wide variety of causes.

Some common sleep disorders include sleep apnea, narcolepsy, Restless Legs Syndrome, and parasomnia (nightmares, night terrors, sleepwalking or sleep talking). Snoring can be a major household problem, but it is not classified as a sleep disorder although medical treatment is available.

Referrals and making an appointment

At the Center for Sleep Disorders, Doctors Bird and Thornton can help if you have a serious sleep disorder. You can make an appointment on your own (a self-referral) or because another doctor recommended you to us (a physician referral).

We prefer that you discuss your problem with your physician prior to a sleep medicine assessment. If you do not have a physician, or are unable to consult with your physician, a sleep medicine consultation is needed.

Consultations, sleep studies and treatments

The doctors perform three major services:

• They perform consultations. These can be at the request of a physician (physician referral) or a patient if he or she has no physician (self-referral).
• They supervise and analyze sleep studies performed at the Center for Sleep Disorders. The sleep studies can be directly requested by a physician, or may be recommended as a result of Doctor Bird or Thornton's consultation.
• They review patient data and make recommendations for treatments.

Sleep help in Orlando and Central Florida

Doctors Bird and Thornton serve you at six Florida Hospital locations in Central Florida, including Orlando Main Campus, East Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Celebration, Winter Park and Apopka.

"The first step is a private meeting where we can discuss your sleep problems. This usually leads to a sleep study, where we can see exactly how you sleep. After this, we are able to prescribe the best course of treatment
for you."

Dr. Robert S. Thornton

NOTE: Sleep health information discussed at this website is for educational purposes. Each
            individual is different and may have varying symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.
            If you are having sleep health problems, obtain professional medical advice.

©2006, Morris T. Bird, M.D. and Robert S. Thornton, M.D.
Medical Directors of the Center for Sleep Disorders at Florida Hospital
Solving sleep problems, snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia and other sleeping issues in Central Florida.
With six sleep centers at Florida Hospital locations:
   Orlando Main Campus, East Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Celebration, Winter Park and Apopka