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Medical Frontiers: Sleep Disorders

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) – On this week's edition of Medical Frontiers, KDKA Radio's Robert Mangino and Dr. Gerald Pifer welcomed Dr. Daniel Shade to discuss sleep disorders.

Shade is a Pulmonologist at Allegheny General Hospital. He is also Director of the AGH Sleep Disorders Program.

The doctors pointed out factors that contribute to sleep disorders and how the disorder can be properly treated.

Temporary sleep medications are often prescribed to patients who suffer from insomnia. Long term sleep medications without an evaluation can lead to chronic problems.

"If you're taking sleep medications for a long period of time, it is important to get an evaluation to determine what the underlying issue is," said Shade.

Patients who are interested in receiving a sleep evaluation may be covered by their health insurance company.

"Patients should take advantage of sleep evaluations. Most health insurance companies pay for sleep studies," said Shade

Surgical procedures are also beneficial for some patients with sleep apnea. Avoiding alcohol and sedative medications help lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea.

Listen to the full show below.

Tune into Medical Frontiers every Monday night at 7 p.m. on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.

Medical Frontiers

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