ANNOUNCEMENT:
The public may contact the Joint Commission's Office of Quality Monitoring to report any concerns or register complaint about a Joint Commission-accredited health care organization by either calling 1-800-994-6610 or e-mailing complaint@jointcommission.org.
DISCLAIMER: Except for faculty members, the physicians, midwives and other medical personnel depicted herein are NOT employees or agents of Dimensions Health Corporation but are private or independently contracted practitioners with privileges to admit patients to our facilities, and/or to treat patients who come to our hospital for medical care.
NEW VISITOR GUIDELINES DURING FLU SEASON
We are currently experiencing flu within the community and have adjusted our Visitors policy. You will not be able to visit if you are sick with any of the following: Fever, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Runny Nose, Sore Throat and/or Cough. No visitors who are pregnant or under the age of 18. Thank you for helping us protect our patients, visitors and staff. For more information about the Flu, visit The Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Services Provided
Welcome to the Sleep Disorders Center at Laurel Regional Hospital
There are approximately more than 70 million people in the U.S. currently suffering from sleep disorders. Some examples include difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, and daytime fatigue and sleepiness. In fact, up to 80% of people with these symptoms have a treatable medical problem such as Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, Narcolepsy or Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep (PLMS). With over 80 different sleep disorders, many can be treated to help ensure a better night sleep and improve the quality of your life.
For more information on Laurel Regional Hospital's Sleep Disorders Center, call 301-497-8759, or 410-792-2270, ext. 78759.
Common types of sleep disorders:
Sleep Apnea
Although, for many people, snoring has little medical consequences it can cause poor sleep not only for themselves but for there sleeping partner. Snoring may be the first indication of OSA. People with OSA have frequent breathing stoppage at night, leading to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and daytime sleepiness. Some sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, can ultimately result in heart disease or stroke, if left untreated. However, studies have shown that when apnea is treated early, further unhealthy effects on the cardiovascular and neurological systems can be avoided and any damages sometimes reversed.
Insomnia
One in twelve people in the U.S. have chronic difficulty falling or staying asleep. Various treatments can improve sleep in about 85% of people with Insomnia.
Narcolepsy
It is treatable in most cases. Many people with Narcolepsy also suffer from uncontrollable sleepiness, vivid daytime dreams, sleep paralysis,and a brief loss of muscle control.
Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep (PLMS)
Up to 10% of people in the U.S. may have repeated, uncontrollable leg twitching/jerking while they sleep. A medical treatment is usually effective.
Nightmares/Sleepwalking
Most can be diagnosed and treated medically.
Sleep Disorders - Types of Sleep Tests
Types of sleep studies performed at the Sleep Center, but not limited to:
Polysomnogram (PSG)
A test designed to analyze a patient’s physical state during sleep. It is a painless test, which monitors sleep patterns, breathing patterns, heart function, muscle activities, brain waves, and other important factors.
CPAP Titration
The medical treatment phase of a sleep test. After PSG analysis identifies a patient to have sleep disordered breathing, the patient is place on a CPAP machine with a mask or nasal pillows. The patient is then allowed to resume sleeping. The CPAP Machine is adjusted gradually throughout the night until snoring and Sleep Apnea episodes are effectively eliminated.
Split-Night Polysomnogram
A Split-Night Sleep Study enables a physician to diagnose/confirm the presence of Sleep Apnea and determine the optimal treatment air pressure for a CPAP machine in one (1) overnight test. This study is especially beneficial if a patient has a previous known diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) (or high probability of having OSA) and after the physician has already discussed various treatment options with the patient and the patient already has a good idea of the treatment nature and value of using a CPAP machine.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
A test designed to analyze a patient’s degree of daytime sleepiness by determining how rapidly a person falls asleep. During this painless test, the patient is asked to take five (5) twenty (20)-minute naps at two (2)-hour intervals.
Patient Questions & Answers on Sleep Disorders:
Most people are not familiar with sleep laboratory procedures and equipment. In the following, we will answer some of the more frequently asked questions about sleep disorders testing. After reading this material, if you have further questions about for your sleep study, please call us at 301-497-8759, or 410-792-2270, ext. 78759. Our goal is to make your sleep laboratory experience as comfortable and productive as possible. If we can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to ask.
Q: How do I get a sleep study?
A: Your physician should make a referral to the Sleep Disorders Center to determine if your sleep problems require a sleep study. The study involves a night spent in the lab hooked up to a computer which tracks sleep activity. You'll find out if you have a problem and if it is mild, moderate, or severe.
Q: What type of physician should I see about my sleep problem?
A: Check with your personal physician first. If you do not have a personal physician, or if the physician is unsure what to do, the Sleep Disorders Center Medical Director can evaluate you or answer your physician's questions.
Q: I snore a lot. Can the Sleep Disorders Center help?
A: Snoring can have many different causes. You need to check with your physician to determine if a problem exists with your nose or throat. If there is a question of your snoring interfering with breathing during the night, a sleep study can determine if the problem requires further treatment.
Q: I'm sleepy during the day. Do I need a sleep study?
A: There are many possible causes for excessive sleepiness during the day. In general, it may be due to an abnormal system in the brain that controls wakefulness and sleep. A sleep study can help you and your physician determine what is wrong.
Q: Will my insurance pay for my sleep testing?
A: Almost all health insurance plans cover sleep studies, which are recognized as standard medical diagnostic procedures. However, some plans require special pre-certification, while others restrict which facilities you may use for certain types of procedures. Check with your personal physician or your health plan.
Q: What is a polysomnogram?
A: A polysomnogram is a continuous recording of selected body functions during sleep. The test also records brain waves, eye movements, and muscle tone, which together determine the sleep stages. Heart rate and rhythm, sleep movements, and snoring sounds are also monitored. For possible sleep apnea, we record breathing and oxygen level. Additional polysomnographic measurements can be made in people with other suspected disorders.
Q: What sensors are applied during the recording?
A: Most of the sensors are tiny gold plated disks that are applied to the scalp and skin. Blood oxygen is monitored using a small, lightweight, cushioned plastic clip that is kept on a finger or applied to an ear lobe throughout sleep. Respiration is monitored by using a very thin plastic sensor that is placed between the nose and upper lip. Breathing effort is recorded using belts placed around the chest and abdomen.
Q: Will the recording be painful?
A: No. If you have sensitive skin, you may notice mild skin irritation from electrode paste or adhesive. We use no needles used during this procedure.
Q: Who will be present in the laboratory while I am sleeping?
A: A trained sleep laboratory technologist will monitor your sleep from an adjacent control, while you sleep in a private room. The technologist has the responsibility to make your laboratory stay comfortable and safe while obtaining a high quality sleep recording.
Q: Will the recording procedure disrupt my sleep?
A: We will ask you to sleep most of the time on your back, whereas you may sleep in different positions at home. Also, most people find the sensors to be somewhat bothersome. We know that your sleep in the laboratory will not be exactly the same as it is at home. When we score and interpret your polysomnographic recording, we will take into account any disruptive effects of sleeping in the laboratory.
Q: Will I be given a sleeping pill?
A: No. If you have very significant insomnia at home, your doctor may order a medication to improve your sleep in the laboratory. Since these medications may affect other aspects of the test, such as your sleep stages and your breathing, your doctor has to weigh those concerns against the possibility that you may not sleep as long without the medication. PLEASE REVIEW ANY CHANGES IN MEDICATION WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN PRIOR TO TAKING ANY ACTION. If you have any questions about medication, please contact your referring doctor.
Q: What should I do on the day of the test?
A: • Since the sensors are placed on the skin and scalp, we ask that all patients shower and shampoo their hair before arriving at the lab. Do not apply oil, hair spray, or heavy conditioners to your hair.
• If you are scheduled for an overnight sleep study, we ask that you remain awake all day on the day of the test – please do not nap on the test day.
• Please eat supper before reporting to the lab.
Q: Why is your questionnaire so long?
A: Our sleep technologists and physicians review your completed questionnaires. When our doctors interpret your test results in light of your complaints, usually we can better address your doctor’s concerns and your problems. Similarly, please bring a report of any other sleep tests you may have had.
Q: What happens to my sleep recording after the test is done?
A: A qualified sleep technologist will score your test data, and a designated sleep center physician with expertise in clinical sleep physiology will interpret the results. The results will be forwarded to your physician, usually within two to three days after your study is completed.
Q: Can I shower at the sleep center before I leave?
A: Yes, each bedroom has a private bathroom and shower.
