 More than 12 million Americans have a sleep disorder and many do not even know it. A sleep disorder is a problem that can cause you to sleep too much, sleep too little or have unrestful sleep. When an individual’s sleep is adequate, the person should feel alert throughout the day.
For residents with sleeping problems in and around Boone County, help is as close as Boone County Hospital (BCH). The hospital opened a new Sleep Lab in early June 2006. The number of patients already seen and scheduled to be seen in the Sleep Lab is an indication of how much the service is needed. According to Cindy Briley, Director of Tech Services at BCH, by the end of July, over 15 patients had been seen and another 20 were scheduled for August. Prior to the lab opening, a number of Boone County residents were traveling to Ames or Des Moines to have a sleep study. And, many had to wait for up to six months to get an appointment; the wait period for the Sleep Lab at BCH is usually less than one month.
“The Boone County Hospital Sleep Lab specializes in diagnosing and treating patients with sleep-related disorders. Testing is available six nights a week,” says Cindy. “It takes a team to help in the diagnosing of a sleep problem.” In addition to the primary care physician, pulmonologists, neurologists or other physicians with special training in sleep disorders may be involved in diagnosing and treating the problem. Three registered Iowa Health System sleep lab technicians rotate in coming to Boone to perform the tests in the Sleep Lab.
There are many types of sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder and narcolepsy. Insomnia is trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. If it takes you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep, if you are up in the middle of the night for more than 30 minutes or if you wake up too early in the morning, you may have insomnia. Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. In between, you may snore, snort, gasp or make choking sounds. You may not be aware of these problems, but your spouse or family member may hear you. If not treated, sleep apnea can be a serious problem. Restless legs syndrome is a crawling, creeping or tingling feeling you get in your legs when you sit or lie still. The feeling will not go away until you move or rub your legs. Periodic limb movement disorder causes leg or arm jerks during sleep and can happen every few seconds. Narcolepsy is a disorder that causes you to have uncontrolled periods of sleep at the wrong time. With narcolepsy, you can fall asleep during the day in the middle of your normal routine. Other problems might be not sleeping at the proper time, having chronic breathing problems or lung disease, and nightmares and night terrors.
“Approximately 10 to 30 percent of adults snore,” says Cindy. “For five out of 100, snoring is the first indication they have a sleep problem.” Other signs that may be an indication of a sleeping disorder include: daytime sleepiness, restlessness, heavy snoring, grumpiness, morning headaches, lack of concentration, weight gain, memory problems, depression, high blood pressure, falling asleep while driving or at work, and trouble doing daily tasks. If you think you have a sleeping problem, the first step is to see your doctor.
If your physician feels you need testing, a referral will be made to the BCH Sleep Lab. A sleep study is an easy and painless test. You may need to spend one or two nights in one of the two Sleep Lab rooms for testing. Sleep Lab check-in time is between 7:45 and 8:30 p.m. The rooms are comfortable and pleasant and have equipment for monitoring sleep patterns, breathing, heart activity, blood oxygen concentrations and body movements. The technician will leave you alone in the room so you can become comfortable and able to fall asleep. He or she will monitor you through a camera and record your sleeping. Pediatric patients 12 to 18 years of age can also be tested, but must be accompanied by an adult. The test ends around 6:00 a.m., patients are allowed to shower and are given a coupon for a complimentary breakfast in the hospital Cafeteria.
A common treatment for sleep apnea is a device called CPAP which helps the patient breathe normally while sleeping. Sleep apnea for some patients may be severe enough that they will be set up with a CPAP before their next night sleep. Others may need to return for a second night of testing with the appropriate equipment after the doctor has interpreted their test. It typically takes two weeks to get the test results back. The cost of the testing is based on each case. Most insurances cover the cost of the test. However, pre-authorization may be required.
Things that can be done to help you sleep include:
1) Controlling your weight. If you are overweight or have a few extra pounds you need to lose, weightloss can help improve breathing during sleep, make sleep more restful and diminish daytime sleepiness.
2) Avoiding alcohol within two hours of bedtime. Alcohol depresses breathing and can make sleep apnea more frequent and severe.
3) Avoiding sleeping pills. Sleeping pills depress breathing and can make sleep apnea worse. Talk with your doctor before taking sleeping pills.
4) Taking drugs with care. Any medication can affect sleep and breathing. Talk with your doctor.
5) Sleeping on your side. Some people suffer from sleep apnea because they sleep on their back. Sleeping on your side may eliminate or reduce sleep apnea.
6) Taking a decongestant. Some medications to relieve congestion of the nose may be helpful in reducing snoring.
It’s important to have good sleep habits.
1) Get up at the same time everyday.
2) Go to bed when you are sleepy.
3) Establish relaxing presleep rituals such as taking a warm bath, reading, etc.
4) Exercise regularly. Vigorous exercise should be confined to earlier in the day (at least six hours before bedtime) and mild exercise such as stretching and walking (at least four hours before bedtime).
5) Maintain a regular schedule.
6) Avoid caffeine within six hours of bedtime, and don’t drink alcohol, especially when you are sleepy.
7) If you nap, try to nap at the same time each day.
8) If you are using sleeping pills, don’t use them for long periods of time. Talk with your physician.
If you have signs or symptoms such as excessive snoring, sleeping too much, sleeping too little or have unrestful sleep, see your doctor. If not treated, your sleep disorder could lead to a heart attack, stroke, car accident or problems at home or work. Many sleeping disorders can be treated effectively once they have been accurately diagnosed. Some conditions require medication. Others may require a change in daily habits and working schedule. If your doctor determines you may have a sleeping disorder, it’s good to know a Sleep Lab is now available at Boone County Hospital.
|