(March 5, 2008) Jourdanton, TX—More than 40 million Americans experience chronic sleep disorders and more than 20 million others have occasional sleep problems. Sleep disorders describe a variety of problems and conditions that prevent restful sleep. Stemming from a variety of sources, sleep disorders are sometimes hard to diagnose and treat.
How does a sleep lab work?
Sleep labs help doctors with these hard-to-diagnose cases by allowing them to watch how their patients sleep in a controlled environment located within a hospital or clinic. Sleep labs are especially helpful in diagnosing disorders such as sleep apnea, hypoapnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy, all of which have common and broad symptoms.
For those who have trouble sleeping or experience sleep disorders, a doctor may recommend observation by a specialist in a sleep lab to see how patients sleep and how their bodies function during sleep. This is more effective in determining the cause and type of sleep disorder than relying on patients' reports of their symptoms. Sleep labs determine, in a controlled environment, the problem or problems preventing patients from having a full night's sleep.
Commonly performed exams
Some of the most common tests run in sleep labs are the polysomnogram, the multiple sleep latency test, and the multiple wake test, all of which can diagnose a wide variety of sleep disorders. A polysomnogram, for example, records several body functions during sleep: brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, breathing rate, and body muscle movements. Seeing how these different systems function helps sleep researchers and doctors analyze and diagnose sleep problems or disorders. The multiple sleep latency test measures the amount of time necessary to fall asleep and the body's movements during sleep. This test can determine the reason a patient takes a significant amount of time to fall asleep on a regular basis. The multiple wake test determines if and how well a person can stay awake during normal waking hours. If a patient's persistent sleep problem has a significant impact during waking hours, this test can help determine how they can stay awake better. Sufferers of narcolepsy, for instance, might find the results of a multiple wake test useful.
Is there a sleep lab in our community or do I have to travel to find one?
If you are experiencing trouble staying awake, falling asleep or staying asleep, a sleep lab might be your best option to determine your individual problem. South Texas Regional Medical Center's (STRMC) Heart & Lung Center is the new home of the Sleep Disorder Center. The center treats people suffering from sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, sleepwalking and sleep terrors.
Obtaining a physician order
Speak with your doctor to see if you are a good candidate for a sleep lab evaluation. All patients may be referred to the Sleep Center by their primary care physicians. Once at the center, patients are examined to determine whether a sleep disorder is present or not.
Patients with abnormal sleep patterns can undergo an overnight sleep test. The team determines the overnight sleep pattern and whether or not the patient is dreaming. Wires taped to the patient measure heart and brain activity, breathing patterns, leg movements and oxygen levels. Those who have problems with daytime sleeping may undergo a nap study in which they sleep for 20 minutes, stay awake for 20 minutes, etc.
After the night of sleep the team evaluates more than 1,000 pages of electronic data for abnormal sleeping behavior. The physician meets with the patient to determine a diagnosis and treatment.
If you're having trouble sleeping, see your family physician or contact the South Texas Regional Medical Center Sleep Disorder Center for a comprehensive approach to help you rest well. To contact the Sleep Disorder Center call (830) 769-3515.
The free Healthy Woman Seminar for March will feature a presentation by South Texas Sleep Diagnostic Center on Thursday, March 27th, 2008. Please call 830-769-5353 for more event details.
Sources:
WebMD:
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/Sleep-Studies
Mayo Clinic:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/
National Sleep Foundation:
http://centers.sleepfoundation.org/