The objectives of the Sleep Disorders Center, under the supervision of The American Academy of Sleep medicine board-certified and state-licensed physicians, are to provide comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services in the treatment of sleep-related illnesses. These comprehensive services include the evaluation and treatment of:
- Sleep apnea
- Narcolepsy
- Insomnia
- Pediodic restless leg movement
- Dystonia
- Circadian rhythm disorders
- Any other sleep-related illnesses.
How much sleep do you need?
The National Sleep Foundation states that adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. This varies with each individual. Excessive daytime sleepiness is a condition in which a person feels drowsy during the day and has the urge to fall asleep when they should be fully alert and awake. The condition, which can occur even after getting enough nighttime sleep, can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or sleep disorder such as Narcolepsy or Sleep Apnea
Daytime sleepines can put a person at risk for drowsy driving, injury, mental impairments, poor performance, emotions and illness. The problems and symptoms should be discussed with a physician and can be treated at Hillcrest Hospital's Sleep Disorders Center.
What are sleep disorders?
A sleep disorder is a condition or experience in which a person's long-time sleep patterns are seriosuly disturbed. Sleep is often disrupted, but the person may not be aware of it. There are a variety of sleep disorders ranging from snoring to sleep walking. A patient may also suffer from insomnia, being unable to fall asleep, or narcolepsy, an inability to stay awake. Other sleep disorders include sleep apea, where breathing stops periodically during sleep, impotence, periodic limb movements, bed-wetting and nightmares.
How do I know if I have a sleep disorder?
A sleep evaluation will determine if you have a sleep disorder. The evaluation includes detailed information about medical and behavorial history and interviews with our multi-disciplinary specialists. You will complete a historial and lifestyle questionnaire, and often a sleep diary as well. In some cases, these documents will reveal habits that may be improved or eliminated with proper sleep hygiene.
What happens during a polysomnogram?
During the study, patients sleep in a home-like bedroom and monitoring devices are attached to their bodies. Pain-free electrodes are attached that measure movement of arms and legs, brain waves, eye movements, chin movements, respiratory effort and rate, and heart rate and rhythm. The patient is monitored closely during sleep by sophisticated equipment and trained sleep technicians. A polysomnogram usually requires a one or two night stay in the Sleep Center.
What can be done about a sleep disorder?
Most sleep disorders can be treated effectively after diagnosis. Some conditions require a change in daily habits.
What can I expect from a sleep evaluation?
Your primary care physician will provide the Sleep Disorders Center with an order for the type of sleep study they are requesting. We will receive history and physical notes, sleep-awake problems, medications and insurance information for your visit. The Center's physician or staff then reviews this information prior to your visit. You may spend one to two night at the Center for recordings. Each room has sophisticated equipment for monitoring your sleep throughout the night. A specialized sleep physician and the professional staff at the Center will review your sleep study, along with all of your records to see if you have a sleep-related disorder.
Are there any benefits to being treated at a center located in a hospital?
In the event that a problem should arise with your health, you will already be physically located in a hospital, where physicians are on stand-by for emergencies. Your safety is our number one priority.
How much does a sleep evaluation cost?
Most insurance plans provide coverage for sleep diagnostic studies. An inquiry regarding each person's insurance coverage is completed prior to their visit. The cost depends on the type of study requested by the referring physician.
For more information about Hillcrest Hospital's Sleep Disorders Center, please call 440.312.8090.