Like you, there are many times during the day when I cannot stay awake. Since I also have a seizure disorder that may be provoked by the sleep disorder, this is problematic. In fact, as of last week, I don’t have my license until I get these problems under control.

There are lots of good doctors in Providence. I don’t think there’s any need for you to drive all the way to Beth Israel, although if you want to Dr. Jean Matheson is the Chief of the Sleep Disorders Unit, (617) 667-3237.

That said, it didn’t take long to find you the name of a nationally recognized expert at Rhode Island Hospital: Dr. Richard Millman. His primary phone number appears to be: 401-444-3565. If that’s not it, call the main number and I’m sure they can direct you. He is in charge of the Sleep Disorders Unit.

I don’t know what Rhode Island Hospital’s policy is re: financing, but I think you should inquire about working out a payment plan. At the risk of sounding like your mother, you should also find a job that provides health insurance. I pay $730 a month. Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? Last year, I had several hospitalizations and untold doctor visits, xrays, catscans, MRIs, etc, etc. One hospitalization alone was over $20,000. I don’t want to get into the politics of health care. I just want to emphasize that as a practical matter you at least need to get some kind of simple HMO plan which can work if you stay on top of them.

FYI: I initially located Dr. Millman in
a 2005 article in the Providence Journal about a new pill for sleep disorders (fyi: if you haven’t gotten it, I’m not big on pills…there are other more effective treatments for true disorders). However, here are some quotes from the article about the seriousness of sleep disorders and why people shouldn’t let it go on too long.

“UNTREATED, INSOMNIA can be a scourge. “I’ve had patients pray to God to go to sleep,” Millman says.

Millman defines insomnia as “the inability to fall asleep initially, the inability to fall back asleep in the middle of the night, or a feeling that you’re just not getting a restorative sleep.” The daytime result is fatigue, tiredness, or memory or concentration problems.

According to Millman, numerous studies have shown that some 12 percent of the adult American population suffers from chronic insomnia—the inability to sleep several times a week. Intermittent insomnia, says Millman, affects up to 30 percent of adults in this country.

“We’re talking millions and millions of people,” Millman says. “It’s just huge, huge numbers.”

Insomnia takes a toll on more than its sufferers. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep deprivation and sleep disorders cost Americans more than $100 billion a year in medical expenses, sick leave, lost productivity, and property damage—car accidents caused by lack of sleep, for example.

Insomnia is not itself a disease but a symptom of something else, Millman says. Alcohol and drug abuse can cause it, as can anxiety and depression. Chronic pain can be at fault, and also the consumption of too much caffeine, nicotine, or fluids before bed. And there are other causes, including a disorder known as “restless leg syndrome” and disturbances in the body’s circadian rhythms that night workers may experience.”—from the Providence Journal, January 30, 2005, BY G. WAYNE MILLER, Journal Staff Writer

For complete information about Dr. Millman, you can go to: http://www.lifespan.org/rih/news/expert/millman.htm

(When you meet him you can give him one of your head scarves. LOL)

Good luck. Let me know how you make out or if you need more information. I’m a former investigative journalish and now that I’m somewhat disabled and housebound as a result of all this your question has made me feel useful. ;-)

Cheers, Kathy

P.S. Remember no more caffeine or alcohol before bed and cut back on it during the day, too. Ask your boss if you can go for a quick walk in the fresh air instead. Coffee and Red Bulls are only making things worse.