According to statistics, one of the next six people you come into contact with could possibly be suffering from such sleep disorders as sleep apnea (breathing stops for short periods of time during sleep), insomnia (trouble falling asleep), restless leg syndrome or other sleep disorders. It’s also possible that one person could be you. Recently, White River Medical Center (WRMC) relocated and expanded its Sleep Center to allow sleep studies to be conducted more efficiently so patients can receive the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment to get their sleep cycle back to normal.
The Sleep Center, now located at the WRMC Plaza at 1699 Harrison Street, is a facility that consists of bedrooms where a comfortable sleep study can be conducted. A sleep study is a test that records a patient’s physical state during various stages of sleep. During a sleep study, patients are required to stay overnight so their brain waves, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, and oxygen levels can all be accurately recorded. A technician also monitors the patient on a closed circuit camera. The study is interpreted by a neurologist certified in sleep medicine and the results are used to provide treatment such as taking medication, using a C-PAP (breathing) machine, or developing sleep hygiene (a routine sleep schedule).
Penny Wright, Department Director of Respiratory Care says the goals for the new Sleep Center are to “provide a comfortable sleep environment, easier access to restrooms, decreased wait time for patient scheduling, and upgraded equipment.”
The Sleep Center opened in 2002 with just one bed. In 2003, it was moved to a building on the east side of WRMC and consisted of three beds. Construction on the new Sleep Center was completed in June. The new Sleep Center has four spacious bedrooms, easily accessible handicap restrooms, individual thermostats, full size beds, a television, nightstand, and recliner. In August, the Sleep Center will be outfitted with new decorations.
Patient Carrill Konkler most recently stayed overnight in the old Sleep Center and the new Sleep Center. She described the new facility as being more like a hotel than a hospital facility. “Not that the old center was bad, but the new Sleep Center is so much more comfortable, spacious, and quiet. Everything went so smoothly.”
She not only bragged on the facility, but the technicians as well. “The girls (technicians) were very knowledgeable and meticulous.” Konkler, who worked as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RCDS) for years, was impressed with the entire experience. “For a small town, it’s nice to have such a great Sleep Center. I wouldn’t see any benefit in going elsewhere to have the same thing done.”
Konkler’s positive words are also echoed by other patients who have used the lab.
“Our returning patients that were tested in the old lab have had only positive comments about the new lab,” said Ellen Light, Respiratory Therapist and Registered Polysomnographer.
Light, who has been a Respiratory Therapist for 18 years, has worked at all three sleep labs and says that she and her co-workers benefit greatly from the new sleep lab. “We love the new lab,” she says. “There are so many great things about it. We are no longer elbow-to-elbow, it is so much quieter, and the new equipment allows us to conduct more tests.”
Symptoms vary depending on the sleep disorder, but patients who are excessively tired or have trouble going to sleep should consult their physician.
Patients who are concerned they may be suffering from a sleep disorder may be referred to the sleep center by their personal physician or a sleep specialist.
Posted: August, 16 2010