Treatment Options for Sleep Disorders
The first time you visit us, one of our specialists will meet with you to discuss the problems you are having and perform a physical assessment. If a sleep study is needed, we schedule a convenient time for you to come back to our center for an overnight stay.
When you come in for your sleep study, you will spend the night in one of our comfortable, private sleep suites. Each has a full- or queen-sized bed, television, DVD players, telephone and private bathroom.
We use the latest diagnostic equipment to monitor your sleep stages, breathing patterns, heart function, body movements and oxygen levels. Closed circuit monitors videotape your entire night’s sleep for further review and study.
Further daytime testing may be necessary.
The test results from your night with us are immediately available, so we can discuss a treatment plan with you right away. The right treatment for you depends on your disorder.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder we see in our patients. Most cases can be corrected in one of three ways:
- Mouthpiece – For mild sleep apnea, we might recommend a mouthpiece to slightly reposition your jaw and help open your airway. Your dentist should be able to make one or recommend someone who can.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) – For typical sleep apnea, we strongly suggest a CPAP mask. The CPAP maintains a gentle flow of air to keep your airway open while you sleep. This eliminates the frequent pauses in breathing caused by apnea and delivers next-day results. CPAP wearers usually report dramatic improvements in the way they feel, function and focus during the day.
- Surgery – In cases of severe sleep apnea, surgery to remove excess flesh in the soft palette often solves the problem.
Insomnia
Insomnia is often associated with psychological factors such as stress or anxiety. Our sleep experts will recommend one or more treatment options, including medication, psychological consultations, training in relaxation techniques and biofeedback therapy.
Narcolepsy, Restless Leg Syndrome and Other Sleep Disorders
Less common forms of sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or restless leg syndrome, call for a variety of treatments. Your doctor will inform you of all of your options during your post-test conference.
A physician’s referral is required before receiving care at a Beacon Health System sleep center. We may schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment.