John Mathers Health Care

SLEEP DISORDER CENTER

We are excited and want to share the news!!

Sleep Disorder Center is now available at the Nicholas County Hospital

Yawn! No More!

Are you tired of being tired? There may be more than eighty (80) sleep disorders recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and it is estimated that more than seventy (70) million Americans are affected by these sleep disorders.

Symptoms of some of these sleep disorders may include:

Daytime sleepiness
Morning headache
Waking up early in the morning
Snoring or gasping during sleep
Difficulty falling asleep or staying awake, and falling asleep during driving
Long periods of wakefulness at night
Paused breathing or cessation of breathing
Leg cramps
Frequent moving throughout the night
Talking or walking while asleep

Steven Hirschberg, Director of the Sleep Disorder Center says, "If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, we can help diagnose your problem by performing a sleep study so you can receive treatment. The Nicholas County Hospital has developed a treatment center for sleep disorders, now available right here at home through our local physicians and practitionerss: Dr. Osias Villaflor, Dr. Janet Tamaren, Dr. Ana Rinaldini, Dr. Jose Lorenzo, Dr. Stephen Besson, Dr. William McKemie, Dr. Adnan Ahmed, Todd Boonstra (PA-C), Dixie Davidson (PA-C), and Nancy Hunter (ARNP.) This is a significant step forward for the community as sleep disorders are very common and frequently go undiagnosed."

Our Sleep Lab Disorder Center consists of a comfortable and quiet private room with a shower where patients can relax and watch television prior to settling in to bed for the night. Although patients are provided comfortable bedding, patients are encouraged to bring any bedding, pillows, pillow cases or blankets that they feel would make their stay more comfortable which could also include a fan or small radio. "The goal", states Mr. Hirschberg, "is to create as much of the patient's home environment away from as possible so sleep will come easy."

What is a Sleep Study?

Polysomnography (PSG) (sleep study) measures many physical activities of the body that affect how a person sleeps. The brain wave activity known as the EEG, eye movement, and the muscle tone of chin are used to determine the quantity and quality of sleep being obtained. Stages of sleep and the presence of disruptions during sleep are also seen in these measurements.

Other measurements of Polysomnography show what is disrupting a patient's sleep such as heart rhythm otherwise known as the EKG, leg movements, airflow, respiratory effort, and oxygen saturation. Technologists tally the percentage of each stage of sleep and the quantity of disruptions that affect the overall quality of sleep. The information obtained from the polysomnograph can help determine from which sleep disorder(s) a patient may be suffering.

Some sleep disorders like sleep disordered breathing, periodic limb movements of sleep, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy may require a polysomnograph for diagnosis and evaluation for treatments. Other sleep disorders may not require a study.

Some frequently asked questions:

How long does it take? All night, approximately 8:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Why is a PSG performed?

Helps evaluate the cause of excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia, or unusual spells occurring during sleep.
If other sleep disorders are diagnosed: sleep apnea (disturbances of breathing during sleep) and narcolepsy (sudden and uncontrollable onsets of sleep.)

Does it hurt? No, you will experience no pain or discomfort.

Where is it conducted? Nicholas County Hospital

What should you do to prepare for the test?

Come in for the test about two (2) hours before normal bedtime to allow for preparation.
Bring all medications you are currently taking with you when you come for the test. You may continue taking all medications unless your doctor gives other instructions.
Bring suitable nightwear, such as pajamas and a bathrobe.
Eat supper as usual the night of the test.
Pillow and blanket of your choice.
Insurance information.
Wash your hair before coming for the test. Do not apply sprays, oils or dressings of any kind.

How is it performed?

A technologist measures your head so that all attachments fit comfortably.
Several electrodes are placed on your chest and legs; electrodes are also attached to your scalp, face, above your eyes, and behind your ears.
Special jelly is applied to each electrode. Nothing goes into or under your skin.
An elastic belt is placed around your chest and abdomen to measure your breathing.
Heat-sensitive wires are placed by your nose and mouth to monitor air flow during breathing.
A probe is taped to your finger to measure the oxygen saturation of your blood.

During the test:

You will be in a room by yourself and asked to sleep on a bed.
A technologist monitors the recordings from another room.
An intercom is available so that you may call the technologist at any time.
Don't worry if you cannot sleep during the test. The information gained will still be useful.

Following the test:

After the testing period, the technologist will awaken you and disconnect all wires.
The electrodes are removed and a shower is available.

Learning results:

The test results will be sent to your ordering physician a few days after your sleep study. The doctor will tell you whether you need a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device or not. A CPAP device is a piece of equipment that is worn during sleep that provides pressurized air to open your airway as you sleep. It takes some getting used to, but many patients report that once they get used to it that they never want to go without it because they get such a good night's sleep.

Contact Steve Hirschberg, ore email for more information.