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Sleep Center

Sleep disorders can be easily managed once they are properly diagnosed. Find out what’s standing between you and a good night’s rest by having a sleep study at HSHS St. Joseph’s Sleep Center

white woman rubbing her temples while laying in bed

A physician referral is required for a sleep study. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, see your primary care physician. St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland Sleep Center is an accredited center that provides sleep testing for infants, children and adults.

Living with a sleep disorder can interfere with your performance at home, school or work and can even affect your relationships with family and friends.

What are some of the most common sleep disorders?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – snoring and brief interruptions of breathing during sleep.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) – creepy “crawling” feeling and an irresistible urge to move your legs when at rest.
Narcolepsy – excessive daytime sleepiness and a tendency to fall asleep at inappropriate times.
Insomnia – difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.
Parasomnia – movement such as sleepwalking or problems with your internal clock caused by environmental conditions, such as shift work changes.

How are sleep disorders diagnosed?

Your physician will review your health history for symptoms and risk factors to determine if your health is at risk from common sleep disorders. You may also take the surveys such as the Epworth Sleepiness Test. Once your physician determines you need a sleep study, you will be scheduled for a home study (with a portable unit) or an overnight stay at the St. Joseph’s Center for Sleep Medicine. This decision is based upon your insurance and your physician’s preference.

Do I have a sleep disorder?

More than 100 different sleep disorders limit quality of life and may increase your risk for serious medical conditions including: heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, difficulty losing weight, depression, diabetes and weight gain.

Talk to your physician about the possibility of a sleep disorder if you answer yes to any of the following questions:

Do you snore?
Do you feel excessively tired during the day?
Do you fall asleep while watching TV, reading, riding in or driving a car?
Do you wake up frequently in the night?
Do you wake up with a headache?
Are you overweight?
Do you have any of the medical conditions mentioned above?
Do you have a neck size of 15” or higher (female), 17” or higher (male)?

What is a sleep study?

A sleep study is a painless, noninvasive test that measures your body’s function during sleep for the purpose of diagnosing and treating a sleep disorder. It enables a sleep specialist and your physician to determine a treatment plan that will help you sleep well, be refreshed and live a healthier life.

There are two components to a sleep study:

First, a diagnostic portion, where we will monitor your breathing, brain wave activity, heart rate, body movements and blood oxygen levels while you sleep.
Second – should your diagnostic test suggest sleep apnea – may be to apply CPAP (Constant Positive Airway Pressure) in the lab while you sleep. This “titration” study is to determine the best settings for CPAP therapy should you require it. NOTE: There are different methods of treatment available, depending on the type of sleep disorder you have.

Occasionally, both portions of the test are performed in one evening, but some patients require a second night for the titration study. If the results show that you would benefit from CPAP therapy, you will likely be scheduled for a return visit for the titration study.

What can I expect in an overnight sleep study?

If you are scheduled for an overnight stay at the HSHS St. Joseph’s Center for Sleep Medicine (located on the second floor of the Medical Office Building), you will receive specific instructions for your visit. While you are here, you will have:

An extremely comfortable hotel-style suite with flat screen TV
A private suite equipped with blackout shades to ensure more restful sleep
A private bathroom with shower, shampoo and body wash
A queen-size Sleep Number® bed that can be adjusted for firmness, plus a recliner
An inviting breakfast nook

After the study, a sleep specialist will review the results and make appropriate recommendations to your physician.

Treatment options

The options depend on the type of sleep disorder that is diagnosed as a result of your sleep study. You and your physician will work together to determine what treatment is right for you. Common treatment options include:

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) – a CPAP delivers pressurized room air through a nasal mask to keep the airway open and prevent it from collapsing during sleep.
Dental – custom-made dental appliances reposition the lower jar and tongue, allowing the free flow of air.
Surgical – removal of tonsils, adenoids, nasal polyps and structural deformities.
Pharmaceutical – prescriptions to manage sleep disorders.
Sleep Hygiene – a sleep routine you follow every night to aid rest.
Health & Wellness – weight loss, exercise and nutritional counseling.
Behavioral Counseling – strategies to help you overcome a sleep disorder.