Center for Sleep Studies
Say Goodnight to Sleep Problems
Everyone misses a little sleep now and then. But if your sleeping difficulties become chronic or long-term, interfering with daytime functioning, you may have a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders come in many different forms - some can potentially lead to life-threatening conditions such as fatigue-related accidents, high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack and stroke.
The good news is that most sleep problems are treatable and help is available locally. The Center for Sleep Studies at Goshen General Hospital provides the most comprehensive resources for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in the area.
Common Sleep Disorders
There are numerous types of sleep disorders and several potential causes for each. Therefore, patients of the Center for Sleep Studies undergo careful testing in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and begin effective treatment. Some common sleep disorders include Insomnia, Sleep Apnea and Narcolepsy. Sleepwalking, night terrors and nightmares, bedwetting, headaches, nocturnal seizures and sexual dysfunction may also be symptoms of an underlying sleep disorder.
Get Help at the Center for Sleep Studies
If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder, consult your personal physician and talk to him/her about the Center. Or you may schedule an appointment with our medical director by calling 574-534-9911. There is no charge for an initial consultation with our trained sleep technicians.
Depending on the nature of the problem, a preliminary sleep study is often performed to develop an accurate diagnosis. At a follow-up consultation, the Center's medical director will discuss the test results, address any further testing that is necessary and recommend treatment options.
All test records and results will be forwarded to your primary care physician. Treatment is often covered by insurance.
If necessary, you may be referred to a specialist on the Center's medical staff for appropriate care. The Center's medical staff includes specialists in:
- • ear, nose and throat (otolaryngology)
• neurology
• psychiatry
• pulmonology
• sleep disorders
• urology
• and other medical areas
Potential Treatment Options
Because each disorder and each patient are unique, treatment recommendations vary and are tailored to your special needs. Potential treatment methods include:
- • changes in sleep habits, schedules and conditions
• dental devices
• exercise programs
• medication (over-the-counter and/or prescription)
• modifications of consumption habits, such as eating, drinking alcohol and smoking
• stress management
• weight loss programs
• non-surgical airway pressure
• surgical restructuring of airway
Although some sleep disorders are not curable, most are treatable. Patients of the Center for Sleep Studies often experience rapid and significant relief and find that a good night's sleep can result in a whole new outlook on life.
Good Sleep Habits
- • Establish relaxing pre-sleep rituals, such as a warm bath, light bedtime snack or 10 minutes of reading.
• Exercise regularly.
• Keep a regular schedule to keep your inner clock running smoothly.
• Avoid caffeine within six hours of bedtime.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking before bedtime. Although you may think that they relax you, they actually lead to lighter sleep during the course of the night.
• Napping -around 2pm and only for 20 minutes, no longer.
• Maintain a regular bedtime and rising time, allowing your body sufficient sleep.
If these suggestions don't work, call your personal physician or the Center for Sleep Studies at 574-537-8530 fax 574-535-2752.
The Center for Sleep Studies is an accredited lab by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and is a member of the National Sleep Foundation.
