- In the lab the person sleeps while the Sleep Technologist monitors and records various physiologic processes.
- The Sleed Study evaluation is performed by using state of the art diagnostic computer systems and software which records breathing data, pulse oximetry, nasal/oral air flow, tracheal noise, body position, chest and abdominal effort, EEG, EMG (muscle activity), EOG (eye movement), and ECG (heart rhythm and rate).
A physician must refer a patient to the Sleep Laboratory. Some common symptoms of sleep disorders include:
- loud snoring
- morning fatigue
- waking up with a headache or thirsty
Each year, the number of people seeking diagnosis and treatment of sleep related complaints increases. It is estimated that between 50 and 70 million U.S. adults suffer from an undiagnosed, untreated chronic sleep/wake disorder.
Some examples of sleep disorders diagnosed and treated in the Center for Sleep Medicine include:
- Obstructive sleep apnea - most common, airway is obstructed and prevents airflow.
- Central sleep apnea: lack of respiratory muscle contraction, absence or airflow.
- Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep (PLMS): twitching of legs and/or arms.
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): numbness or pain in legs when attempting to initiate sleep.
- Circadian Rhythm Disorders such as Shift Worker Sleep Disorder and Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome.
Prior to heading to the Sleep Laboratory for testing, most patients are provided an evaluation conducted by one of the Center's Sleep Medicine physicians in the Sleep Evaluation & Management Office (SEMO). The physician performs a comprehensive sleep medicine examination in order to clearly identify the presence of any sleep disorder symptoms as well as determine what treatments or testing might be required. in addition to the Sleep Physicians, the Sleep Center's SEMO is staffed with State Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP) specializing in Sleep Technologies. The SEMO's RCP's are integral in assisting the physician with the long-term treatment and management of patients diagnosed with sleep disorders.