Staff pictured during Sleep Tech Appreciation Week in October 2020.
A good night’s sleep is important to your well-being. Since most people spend roughly one third of their lives asleep, it’s easy to see how the quality of sleep directly affects the quality of your life. As many as 90 million Americans suffer, many unknowingly, from sleep disorders. Sleep disorders are often not considered the culprit for some of the symptoms from which people suffer as these disorders are easily disguised by other illnesses.
Symptoms of Sleep Disorders:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Heavy, loud snoring during sleep
- Falling asleep while driving
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Frequent breathing lapses during sleep
- Waking up several times during sleep
- Restless, twitchy or jumpy legs at night
Associated Conditions:
- Excessive sweating at night
- Depression or anxiety
- Chronic pain
- Morning headaches
- Abnormalities of the facial bone structure
- Excessive weight gain
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Elevated blood count
- Memory and concentration problems
- Ankle swelling
About Sleep Studies
Sleep studies are performed in a private bedroom. Our bedrooms are spacious and comfortable and are designed to reflect a feeling as close to home as possible.
Patients are continuously monitored during overnight studies by a technologist with special training in sleep diagnostics.
The medical director, a board certified sleep specialist, will interpret the study. Once the findings are complete, the final report will be reviewed with the patient.
Treatment
Based on sleep study results, a range of treatment options can be recommended to alleviate these disorders and symptoms. Recommendations are based on the type and severity of the specific sleep disorder.
Insurance
Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance companies cover the cost of sleep studies. Since insurance benefits and coverage vary, it is best to contact your provider for coverage and pre-certification requirements.
Scheduling
Sleep studies are by physician referral only. If you would like to schedule a sleep study or need more information regarding sleep disorders, our staff will be glad to assist you. Please call the Sleep Disorders Center at 229.228.2729.
Home Sleep Testing
Home sleep testing, or HST, occurs when you sleep at home wearing equipment that collects information about breathing during sleep. HST is used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a simple test designed to alert you to any problems resulting from poor quality sleep. If your score is 9 or greater, a sleep study may be needed to properly diagnose your problem.
Find the Epworth Sleepiness Scale here
Accreditation
Our center is accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Health Care (ACHC).
Why is it important that a sleep center be accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Health Care? Because this distinctive recognition by the ACHC means our sleep center gives each patient high-quality care and service. All testing procedures are performed by highly trained and experienced technicians. Studies are interpreted by board-certified sleep specialists. Accreditation means our center meets all standards set by the ACHC and that we adhere to evidence-based practice parameters.