Altru's Sleep Center provides comprehensive clinical evaluation and treatment
to patients with a variety of sleep-related disorders. The latest technology,
expertise and state of the art equipment is used to evaluate sleep disorders.
Our physicians are board certified in:
Sleep Medicine
Pulmonary Medicine
Neurology
Ear, Nose and Throat
Our staff include Registered Polysomnographers and Respiratory Therapists.
The Altru Sleep Center was granted reaccreditation through the American
Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) in 2023. This accreditation is good for
five years.
According to the
National Institutes of Health, more than 70 million Americans suffer from disorders of sleep and wakefulness.
Of them, nearly 60 percent have a chronic disorder, defined as a physiological
condition that causes disruptive sleep patterns. Sleep disorders inhibit
an individual's mental and physical performance and can seriously affect
one's health and quality of life. Sleep disorders can range in severity
from snoring and restlessness, to gastro-esophageal reflux, to sleep apnea.
Dozing off while engaged in an activity such as reading, watching TV, sitting
in meetings or sitting in traffic
Slowed thinking and reacting
Difficulty listening to what is said or understanding directions
Difficulty remembering or retaining information
Frequent errors or mistakes
Poor judgment in complex situations
Depression or negative mood
Impatience, being quick to anger
Frequent blinking, difficulty focusing eyes or heavy eyelids
Hypertension
The Importance of Diagnosis and Treatment
Sleep disorders can seriously interfere with one's overall emotional or
physical health, often leading to depression, reduced concentration and
impaired memory and judgment. The extreme fatigue caused by sleep disorders
can inhibit an individual's job performance and social skills, as well
as increase the risk of car and work-related accidents. Lack of quality
sleep also lowers the body's ability to resist and fight illnesses. As
a result, the sleep-deprived person is often sick.
Types of Sleep Disorders
Sleep Apnea occurs when people momentarily stop breathing while asleep. Snoring and
excessive daytime sleepiness are common symptoms. If not treated, sleep
apnea may result in heart attacks, strokes, impotency or other problems.
Insomniais the inability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Disorders such as sleep
apnea, muscle twitches, pain or poor sleep hygiene may be causes of insomnia.
Narcolepsyis characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. People experiencing this
disorder will fall asleep at inappropriate times such as while talking,
driving or eating. This is a lifelong disorder, usually occurring in childhood.
Periodic Leg Movement Syndrome occurs through muscle twitches during the night that may disrupt sleep.
Without adequate sleep, the patient feels fatigued during the day.
Parasomnias are events that occur during sleep, such as sleepwalking, night terrors,
nightmares and acting out dreams. These events affect daytime performance
and cause excessive sleepiness and irritability.
What Happens After Your Sleep Study
Your test results will be scored and then interpreted by a physician specializing
in Sleep Medicine.
Test results will be available to your physician within 5-10 business days
from the date of your study. If you have questions about your test results,
please discuss them with your physician.
If your test is positive for OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), you will require
a prescription for a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or BiPAP
(Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure device).
If indicated, the physician who interprets your test may write an order
to have the DME company of your choice provide your CPAP/BIPAP equipment.
If you have not heard from your physician or the DME company after two
weeks, please contact your physician directly.
