Diagnosis & Treatment for Sleep Disorder

Is a sleep disorder keeping you awake? The highly-trained specialists at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center's Sleep Laboratory are experienced at evaluating and diagnosing sleep problems of all kinds.

If you're referred to us for a sleep study, you'll stay overnight in one of our four hotel-like suites. You'll be observed and monitored while you sleep, and you can go home the next day.

Experts in Sleep Medicine

Our Sleep Disorder Center is under the direction of Dr. Francis Lee, Medical Director of Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine. Dr. Lee is board-certified in both pulmonology and sleep medicine and provides the interpretation of all sleep studies. The lab also includes a certified polysomnographer recognized by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.

What Are Sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorders are conditions that keep a person from getting a good night's sleep. Some of the most common sleep disorders include:

• Hypersomnia
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Parasomnia
• Restless legs syndrome
• Severe snoring
• Sleep apnea

A sleep disorder can make you feel tired and weary, even when you've gone to bed at a decent time. And some sleep disorders interrupt the sound sleep of the people you live with. If your snores shake the windows and rattle the doors, your housemates may plead for you to get help.

Whether you became aware of the problem on your own or someone else brought the issue to your attention, we can help. Our therapy begins with a comprehensive sleep study.

What You Can Expect in a Sleep Study?

You'll need a doctor's referral for a sleep study. When you arrive for your appointment, you'll meet with one of our sleep specialists and be taken to your room. The specialist will ask about your medical history, including sleeping difficulties. You'll be given a detailed review of what will happen during and after the study.

Once you're comfortable and ready for bed, you'll be connected to a polysomnography machine. The machine will monitor and record various vital signs during the night, such as your:

• Blood pressure
• Breathing rate
• Heart rate
• Movements
• Oxygen saturation

You'll also be observed throughout the night by a video camera, as well as one of our technologists. In the morning you can freshen up in your room's private shower and go home.

Records of your study will be analyzed by one of our doctors who specializes in sleep medicine. A detailed report will be sent to your doctor, who will contact you to discuss the findings.

Additional Sleep Services We Offer

If your sleep is punctuated by periods in which you're gasping for air, you might benefit from CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). This treatment can help to keep your airways open, so you can sleep without experiencing choking sensations. We offer CPAP fittings and measurements in our lab.

Training and equipment for in-home sleep studies are also available for patients who meet the requirements.