Brain Health
Sleep and Brain Health
Sleep affects nearly every neurological complaint. Untreated sleep apnea contributes to cognitive complaints, hypertension and stroke risk. Sleep loss is one of the most reliable migraine and seizure triggers. Reviewing sleep is a routine part of neurological evaluation.
Sleep symptoms worth reporting
- Loud snoring, gasping or witnessed pauses in breathing
- Waking unrefreshed or daytime sleepiness
- Acting out dreams, shouting or striking out during sleep
- Restless, uncomfortable legs at night
- Frequent awakening or early morning headache
- Long-standing difficulty falling or staying asleep
Why it matters
Treating obstructive sleep apnea can improve attention, memory complaints, daytime function, blood pressure and headache frequency. Acting out dreams may indicate REM sleep behavior disorder, which is relevant to Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia and should be evaluated.
In epilepsy, consistent sleep is part of seizure control. In migraine, regular sleep and wake times are among the most effective non-medication measures.
Practical sleep measures
- Consistent bed and wake times, including weekends
- Limiting alcohol, which fragments sleep
- Reducing late-day caffeine
- Treating nasal congestion and reflux when relevant
- Cognitive behavioral approaches for chronic insomnia before sedatives
- Reviewing medications that impair sleep or worsen cognition
Frequently asked questions
- Can sleep apnea cause memory problems?
- Untreated sleep apnea commonly contributes to attention and memory complaints and is one of the treatable contributors looked for during a memory evaluation.
- Should sleeping pills be used long term?
- Many sedatives worsen cognition, balance and fall risk, particularly in older adults. Behavioral treatment for insomnia is preferred, and medication decisions are individualized.
Care across Northwestern Illinois & Southern Wisconsin
Patients travel from McHenry County, the northwest Chicago suburbs, the Fox Valley and southern Wisconsin for this care. In-person visits take place in Crystal Lake and Woodstock, Illinois and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Telehealth is available to patients located anywhere in Illinois or Wisconsin when clinically appropriate.
Need a Neurologist?
Choose the scheduling line for the state where you will be located for your appointment.
In-Person Neurology Visits
Available at three office locations:
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Woodstock, Illinois
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Telehealth Neurology Visits
Telehealth neurology appointments are available to patients located anywhere in Illinois or Wisconsin. You do not need to live near an office, but you must be physically located in Illinois or Wisconsin at the time of the appointment.
Learn about telehealth neurology →Call to schedule
Illinois appointments: 815-337-7100. Wisconsin appointments: 262-245-0535.
Choose your visit
Our office will confirm whether an in-person or telehealth visit is appropriate and provide the details.
Insurance and referrals
Insurance participation and referral requirements vary by plan. Our office will confirm what your plan requires before your visit.
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention.