Philips Respironics recently announced a voluntary recall for many of its respiratory care products. This includes some continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) devices and some ventilators.
According to the Sleep Foundation, it’s estimated that more than 70 million people in this country suffer from a sleep disorder. Symptoms of a sleep disorder include daytime sleepiness or fatigue, falling asleep during the day at inappropriate times, un-refreshing sleep, waking up gasping for air and snoring.
Officially, there are 81 documented sleep disorders, some of the more common ones include:
- Insomnia
- Narcolepsy
- Sleep apnea
- Hypoventilation syndrome (HVS)
- Restless legs syndrome
- Seizure disorders
The importance of sleep
Sleep is important for staying emotionally and physically healthy. If you don’t get adequate rest, the consequences could include a higher risk for diabetes, obesity, depression or heart disease.
At Memorial Sleep Disorders Center, we offer sleep studies and sleep consultations (we recommend you contact your insurance company to verify coverage to see a specialist).
Getting help for sleep problems
For anyone suffering with sleep problems, there is always a way to seek help. Many people don’t understand that their sleep problems are linked to different systems in the body. For example, patients suffering from narcolepsy have a neurological disorder, while those suffering from sleep apnea have a respiratory condition that needs attention.
Different sleep disorders will be treated by different specialists, and there are certain standards and certifications that physicians must meet in order to become certified for the American Board of Sleep Medicine. You can also seek alternative treatment with rehabilitation and mental health centers.
Each patient should take the time to further discuss with their physician any sleep concerns that they may have.
Our sleep doctors and specialists
At UCHealth Sleep Medicine Center, we have sleep doctors and specialists who are part of your sleep disorders care, including board-certified sleep specialists, nurse practitioners and sleep technologists — all at one location.
Although you might be unsure of who to see about your sleep-related problems, there are plenty of sleep doctors and specialists out there who can help. Your sleep disorder and what is causing it will determine the type of specialist you will need to see, and your primary care physician can help you get started.
Accreditation
The Sleep Medicine Center at Memorial Hospital North is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
You can rest assured you will receive the most appropriate and highest quality care for your sleep disorder.
Our sleep medicine services
You can receive all of your sleep disorders care at one location. We provide:
- Sleep studies
- Pre- and post-sleep study consultations
What to expect if you are scheduled for a sleep study
A sleep study requires an overnight stay in our clinic and is considered an outpatient visit by your insurance company. After checking in, you are taken to your private room equipped with a bed, private bathroom and cable television. Your technician explains the procedure and answers your questions while preparing you for the test. Electrodes are attached to collect the data, and the wires are long enough for you to move around the room and turn over in bed. You may read or watch television until your normal bedtime. You are monitored throughout the night and you can page your technician if you need anything. Tests typically end around 5:30 to 6:30 a.m.
A final report is ready in 7 to 10 days, and we will fax a copy to your referring doctor. We encourage you to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss the findings of the sleep study, as well as potential treatment options.
Sleep disorders we treat
We can evaluate and treat any sleep condition that you may be suffering from. Common sleep disorders we evaluate and treat include:
If you don’t get an adequate amount of sleep, you may soon notice your emotional and mental health deteriorating. For example, you may not be as productive or your daily routine may seem much more stressful. It is also said that those suffering from insomnia will have a greater risk of developing certain psychiatric problems.
Scheduling
To schedule a sleep study or consultation for your sleep disorders treatment, please call us at the number above.
Please note: Sleep studies and consultations may require a physician’s order and are covered by most insurances.