Sleep Disorders Center

Do You Have Trouble Sleeping?

Factors that increase airway obstruction during sleep
Symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea
Sleep questionnaire
Contact

The Sleep Disorders Center at Capital Region Medical Center is designed to test those who may be experiencing a sleeping disorder. Equipment is used to monitor heart rate, oxygen saturation, EEG activity, EMG activity, Respiratory effort, Nasal/oral airflow and snoring. Staging of sleep will determine not only the quantity of sleep but the quality of sleep. The goal of the Sleep Disorders Center is to diagnose those with sleeping disorders and to successfully treat those disorders with appropriate solutions. Types of testing include Polysomnography, Split night studies, CPAP titration studies, Multi Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) and Maintenance/Wakefulness Test (MWT).

The Sleep Disorders Center is Accredited by the American Association for Sleep Medicine (AASM). AASM accreditation is the gold standard by which the medical community and the public can evaluate sleep medicine services. The Standards for Accreditation ensure that sleep medicine providers display and maintain proficiency in areas such as testing procedures and policies, patient safety and follow-up, and physician and staff training.

Factors that might increase airway obstruction during sleep include:

• Obesity
• Use of alcohol
• Use of sleeping pills
• Nasal congestion
• Sleeping on the back
• Sleep deprivation
• Deviated nasal septum

• Loud snoring
• Breathing pauses during sleep with loud snorts/gasps as breathing resumes
• Daytime sleepiness, especially in situations such as reading, watching television, highway driving or after meals
• Headache, dry mouth, or sore throat upon awakening
• Shortness of breath during the night
• Difficulty concentrating during the day or irritability
• Increased tiredness and fatigue

1. Have you been told you snore?
2. Has anyone said you stop breathing when you sleep?
3. Do you ever wake from your sleep short of breath or have a choking feeling?
4. Do you have vivid memories of dreams?
5. Are you overweight?
6. Do you wake up in the morning with a headache?
7. Do you have trouble staying awake while watching TV, reading a book, or while driving or riding in a car?
8. Do you have elevated blood pressure?
9. Do you awaken from sleep with a racing heart?
10. Have you ever been told that you kick a lot when sleeping?
11. Have you been told that you sleepwalk or have nightmares that you do not awake from?
12. Do you have a history of heartburn or reflux?

If you responded "yes" to 4 or more questions, then you may be at risk for a sleep disorder.

You may benefit greatly from a consultation with your physician.

Contact

If you have questions, call (573) 632-5394 or email Anita Clark at aclark@mail.crmc.org