Sleep Studies

Why sleeping better decreases your health problems

It is important to understand how sleep affects your overall health and well-being. Contrary to what most people believe, sleep is not a passive process. Our brain is cycling through very active stages of activity that allow the brain and body to actively rejuvenate. Be aware that sleeping pills may help you get to sleep or stay asleep, but they do not help you get the deeper, more restorative stages of sleep.

Quality sleep is continuous and uninterrupted. As we age, sleep can be disrupted due to pain, medical problems, frequent urination, medications, poor or irregular sleep schedules, and sleep disorders. Research is showing that patients’ chronic pain is adversely affected by an undiagnosed sleep disorder. Better sleep quality may be your easiest, most natural, and least expensive route to better health!

Warning Signs of a Sleep Disorder

  • Loud, disruptive snoring
  • A snoring pattern interrupted by pauses, then gasping
  • Inappropriate daytime sleepiness
  • Trouble with concentration, forgetfulness, depression, irritability
  • Morning headaches, frequent nighttime urination, sexual dysfunction

Why do a sleep study?

Many people assume that problems with getting to sleep or staying asleep are simply related to stress. However, there are 81 sleep disorders – ranging from snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, sleep deprivation, and other conditions – all of which can lead to poor health. If you suffer from non-restorative sleep, high or low blood pressure, weight problems, depression or another mood disorder, congestive heart failure, irregular heart rhythm, heartburn, or chronic pain, talk to your doctor about getting a sleep study.

Sleep testing monitors the activities in your body and brain during sleep, including brain waves, muscle movements, eye movements, breathing through your mouth and nose, snoring, heart rhythm, and blood oxygen levels.

Sleep Study Quiz

Read the statements below. Click True or False.

1. I feel sleepy during the day, even when I get a good night’s sleep.

   

2. I get very irritable when I can’t sleep.

   

3. I often wake up at night and have trouble falling back to sleep.

   

4. It usually takes me a long time to fall asleep.

   

5. I often wake up very early and can’t fall back to sleep.

   

6. I usually feel achy and stiff when I wake up in the morning.

   

7. I often seem to wake up because of dreams.

   

8. I sometimes wake up gasping for breath.

   

9. My bed partner says my snoring keeps him/her from sleeping.

   

10. I’ve fallen asleep driving.

   

If you have selected True more than twice, you may want to discuss your sleep problems with your health care professional.

About our Sleep Center

Rooms in the Sleep Center have been decorated to create a warm, relaxing atmosphere to ensure the utmost in patient comfort. Each room is equipped with features similar to those found in your own bedroom including flat screen television. While a patient, you will rest comfortably on a Select Comfort Bed, which can easily be adjusted to all levels of comfort. The Sleep Center also features state-of-the-art wireless technology, thus eliminating the inconvenience of extensive wiring on the patient.

Sleep Studies
Brian Fortuin, MD
Brian Fortuin, MD

About our Staff

The Sleep Center is staffed with a Board Certified Sleep Medicine Physician and licensed sleep technicians. The staff have extensive backgrounds in a variety of sleep disorders and are able to diagnose the most difficult sleep disorders. We welcome the opportunity to review your case and help you with your sleep problems.

One night could change your life for the better.