Middlesex HospitalSleep Disorders Center

Helping you get a better quality sleep, for a healthier life.

The Middlesex Hospital Sleep Disorders Center is dedicated to excellence in the treatment and diagnosis of sleep and wake disorders. Incorporating the latest technology into a warm and personalized environment, our team of dedicated professionals, under the direction of physicians certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine, can help identify and treat a wide range of sleep and wake problems and disorders.

Our Sleep Disorders Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which is considered the gold standard in Sleep Medicine.

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When “40 Winks” sounds like a dream . . .

What is a sleep disorder?A sleep disorder is considered any condition that impairs sleeping well to the extent that it disturbs daytime functioning. The most common sleep disorders are sleep apnea and insomnia.

Common sleep problems include:

• Snoring• Sleep apnea• Insomnia• Narcolepsy• Restless Leg Syndrome• Sleepwalking• REM Behavior Disorder

The effects of sleep disorders during the day include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness• Not feeling rested• Poor job performance• Increased risk of automobile accidents• Decreased ability to concentrate• Irritability, mood swings, depression• Morning headaches

Medical complications resulting from untreated sleep apnea syndrome include:

• High blood pressure• Heart beat irregularities• Heart failure• Stroke• Diabetes

How to schedule your sleep studyTo have a sleep study done at our Sleep Disorders Center, you should first speak with your primary care physician, or contact one of our sleep physicians directly, about your sleep problems. He/she can fax a referral for your sleep study directly to our Center.

What are the rooms like?There is a handicap-accessible bathroom, full-sized “Sleep Number” bed and television in most rooms. You may also bring items with you that may be part of your normal bedtime routine, such as a book, or knitting materials, etc.

How do I prepare for the sleep study?Bring your overnight kit including loosely-fitting pajamas and toiletries as if you were going to a hotel. You are encouraged to bring your favorite pillow.

A technician attaches a series of sensors to your body to monitor your breathing patterns, air flow, oxygen levels, eye movements, brain waves, heart rate and rhythm, leg movements, and snoring throughout the study.

What happens after the test?You will be awakened around 5 - 5:30 a.m. and the wires will be removed. Some rooms have showers. If you’d like a room with a shower, simply request one when you make your appointment. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, and towels are provided. Breakfast vouchers are provided upon request. We will do everything possible to make your stay at the Sleep Center as pleasant as possible.

Diagnosis and treatment of sleep disordersThe data collected from your sleep study is analyzed and reviewed by sleep specialists, who make appropriate recommendations to manage the condition. Follow-up visits are scheduled as required.

Treating a sleep disorder can be accomplished in many ways. This can include medication, behavioral modification, medical equipment, surgery, or a combination of the four. An action plan is designed to meet your specific sleep needs.

C-PAP and BiPAP machinesIf your treatment includes medical equipment such as a CPAP or BiPAP machine, we can provide help for those having difficulty adjusting to the equipment:

PAP-NapA 3-4 hour session with a technologist specialized in relaxation techniques for those patients that have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep while using PAP devices, or Insomnia. Examples include severe discomfort wearing the PAP mask, or having trouble using the machine regularly.

Coping StrategiesWe also offer special sessions for those struggling to get accustomed to using the machine. These sessions offer coping strategies, practice fitting the mask, and troubleshooting techniques to help you better adjust to your CPAP or BiPAP machine.

Who pays for the sleep test?Most insurance plans will cover the initial evaluation (first doctor’s visit), the sleep study, a follow-up visit with your sleep professional, and a second treatment sleep study (testing the breathing machine) if needed. Check with your insurance provider to be certain. The staff at the Middlesex Hospital Sleep Disorders Center is available to assist you with any questions you may have.

What if I work an off-shift and usually sleep during the day?Sleep studies are available seven days a week, day or night, depending on your normal sleeping hours.

What if I cannot sleep in a strange environment?We can offer a limited number of home-based sleep studies if determined necessary by a sleep physician, based on pre-screening. Please call us for more information.

Middlesex Hospital Sleep Disorders Center 28 Crescent Street Middletown, CT 06457 Phone: (860) 358-6442 Fax: (860) 344-6767 www.middlesexhospital.org/sleep

Middlesex Hospital

Sleep Disorders Center

28 Crescent Street

Middletown, CT 06457

Phone: (860) 358-6442

Fax: (860) 344-6767

Email: sleepdisorderscenter@midhosp.org

www.middlesexhospital.org/sleep

Sleep Physicians

Dr. Ashish Adlakha earned his medical degree

from Maulana Azan Medical College in India and

completed his residency at Tufts University. He also

completed a fellowship in sleep medicine at Seton

Hall University, NJ. Dr. Adlakha’s areas of expertise

in Sleep Medicine include sleep apnea, parasomnia,

narcolepsy, RLS and insomnia. He performs EMGs

for neuromuscular disorders and Botulinum toxin

injectors for cervical dystonia and blepharospasm.

Dr. Gina Merritt earned her medical degree at

Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

She completed her residency at UConn and her

fellowships at Norwalk Hospital and Yale.

Dr. Merritt is board-certified in Sleep Medicine,

Pulmonary Critical Care and Internal Medicine.

Dr. Mark D’Agostino, a graduate of the University

of Chicago Medical School, completed his residency

at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University.

He is in practice with Southern New England Ear,

Nose & Throat Group. Dr. D’Agostino is board

certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology,

and also in the subspecialty of Sleep Medicine.

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