Neurodiagnostic/Sleep Disorders Center

Sleep well

Good sleep is important for good health. Sleep disorders and lack of sleep are not just annoyances; they are serious problems and can lead to poor job productivity and can be a contributing factor in motor vehicle accidents, weight gain, heart problems, colds and flu. Poor sleep can also strain family and job relationships, social encounters and lead to greater health problems if left untreated.

Testing

The Sleep Center's state-of-the-art technology and board-certified sleep physicians have given thousands a higher quality of life. We offer overnight and daytime testing which is performed on an outpatient basis, seven days a week. Testing is painless and non-invasive. You will enjoy a comfortable private room equipped with a Comfort Select Sleep Number® bed, TV/DVD player and a private bath. Our equipment and monitors are located in the central control room so as not to disrupt your sleep. The data we gather while you sleep includes brain activity, muscle tone, heart rate, breathing patterns, airflow, oxygen levels, leg movements and snoring.

Common sleep disorders

We specialize in diagnosing and treating many types of sleep disorders.

Sleep apnea/Snoring

Sleep apnea is the cessation of breathing for a period of ten seconds or more. It is characterized by snoring or choking /gasping for breath during sleep, daytime sleepiness and morning headaches. The occurrence of sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. The condition is treatable, and the treatment can reduce the risk associated with sleep apnea.

Insomnia

Insomnia is the inability to go to sleep or stay asleep. Insomnia primarily occurs in individuals who are under a moderate amount of stress, work long hours, travel at lot, or suffer from depression or pain. Those with insomnia who do not seek treatment are more likely to have psychiatric problems, high blood pressure, and trouble with memory and logical reasoning.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)

RLS is characterized by discomfort or pain in the legs especially when lying down or trying to sleep. It can lead to sleep disruptions such as tossing and turning, or pacing. PLMD is the movement or twitching of the legs during sleep that can sometimes awaken the individual. These conditions respond well to medical treatment. If left untreated, they can lead to exhaustion and strained relationships.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy occurs when the brain doesn't accurately interpret when to sleep and when to be awake. It is due to the lack of a chemical that regulates sleep and can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, weakness with intense emotions, and vivid or scary dreams when falling asleep. There are many treatment options available that can improve alertness and the ability to resume an active lifestyle.

Other sleep disorders

While sleep apnea, PLMD, and continuous agonizing drowsiness account for 95% of all sleep disorders, others do exist. Among them are parasomnias: sleep walking, sleep talking, bruxism/teeth grinding and poor sleep hygiene/sleep habits. Talk with your physician or a sleep professional if you are concerned about any of these symptoms or disorders. Sleep disorders are treatable, and healthy sleep can change your life.

General Warning signs

  • Snoring
  • Stop breathing, gasping or choking during sleep
  • Restless sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Fatigue - tired all the time
  • Memory Loss
  • Poor judgment/concentration
  • Irritability
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Obesity
  • Frequent urination at night
  • Depression

Neurodiagnostic Testing

Our facility offers neurological testing as well. These test help aid in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases such as seizure disorders, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), carpal tunnel and neuropathy. Our Neurology lab is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Electroencephlagram (EEG) An EEG test measures brain wave activity and is used to help diagnose and treat neurological disorders, including headaches and dizziness, seizure disorders, epilepsy, altered mental states, strokes and degenerative brain disorders. A neurology technician will apply electrodes to the patient’s scalp to obtain the electrical signals from the brain. The technician will then monitor the patient’s brain waves for a period of time.

Electromyogram (EMG) An EMG test evaluates muscle function. This test measures the electrical activity in nerves and muscles and helps to detect any disorders. An EMG is used to help diagnose and treat disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome and neuropathy.

Evoked Potential (EP) This test records the electrical activity from the brain, spinal nerves and sensory receptors as they respond to external stimulation. It is used to diagnose and treat multiple sclerosis, brain tumors or lesions, Guillain-Barré Syndrome and other diseases.

Long Term EEG and Video Monitoring (LTVM) – During this test, a patient stays at the hospital to receive an extended EEG. While wearing electrodes, the patient stays in a room with a video camera. This allows the physician to witness all seizure-like activity and monitor the patient’s brain waves at the time of the episodes.

Referral process

Patients are generally referred to the Sleep Disorders Center by a primary care physician. If you think you might have a sleep disorder, talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment.