Sleep Disorders
Good rest supports good health in mind and body. If you’re not satisfied with your sleep, St. Bernards Healthcare can help. We’ll work with you to find the reason for your symptoms and then recommend treatment so you start waking up more refreshed.
Symptoms of Sleep Disorders
Talk to your primary care provider if you or your bed partner notice you:
- Snore
- Wake up gasping for air
- Fall asleep suddenly during the day even if you slept enough at night
- Move your legs often while lying down, especially if you feel an itching or burning sensation
- Experience fatigue, headaches, irritability or trouble concentrating because you don’t sleep well
When you recognize and address these symptoms, you may not only have more energy, but you’ll also reduce your risk of chronic illnesses and improve your long-term health.
Sleep Studies
Your doctor may order an overnight test to learn more about how you sleep, especially if you report symptoms of sleep apnea. We’ll recommend the best type of test for your situation: home testing or a study in our sleep lab.
Home Sleep Study
This type of study records your breathing, heart rate and blood oxygen level as you sleep at home. You’ll be directed where to pick up your monitoring equipment. A technologist will explain how to place the sensors on your body to track your vital signs as you sleep. After the test, you’ll return the equipment.
Sleep Lab Study
You’ll come to a comfortable, private bedroom at St. Bernards Sleep Disorders. Handicap-accessible accommodations are available. A technologist will place sensors on your skin to monitor your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and other vital signs. The sensors and a video camera collect information as you sleep, fall asleep or try to stay awake.
Depending on your needs, you may take part in one or more of these tests at the sleep center:
- Polysomnogram – Records brain and muscle activity overnight
- Positive airway pressure (PAP) titration – Finds the right settings for a PAP device if you show signs of sleep apnea
- Maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT) – Measures your alertness during the day to determine how well you can stay awake on the job
- Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) – Shows how fast you fall asleep in a quiet room during the day and helps a doctor diagnose narcolepsy
The technologist is always nearby if you have questions or concerns. Let us know if you’d like a loved one or caregiver to stay with you overnight.
Accreditation
We want to give you the best possible care, so we chose to earn accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. This distinction means you can trust we have the right staff, processes and technology to ensure your safety and accurate results.
Your Diagnosis
Your sleep study provides several hours of detailed data about what your body does during sleep. A sleep medicine specialist needs time to review all the information and make a diagnosis. When the results are ready, we’ll share them with your referring doctor, who will then contact you to discuss the next steps.
Treatment Options
Depending on your condition, you may benefit from:
- Lifestyle changes, such as adjusting your sleep or work schedule
- Medications to help you stay awake during the day, fall asleep at night or reduce limb movements during sleep
- Cognitive behavioral therapy at St. Bernards Counseling Center for management of insomnia
Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you experience pauses in breathing as you sleep, your doctor will most likely recommend PAP treatment. This device helps many people sleep and breathe better at night.
But if you’re looking for another option, ask a healthcare provider about:
