Sleep Disorders CenterSleep Disorders are a national epidemic: 100 million Americans have occasional sleep problems (1/3 have some form of chronic insomnia), and 12 million Americans between the ages of 30 and 60 suffer from sleep apnea, which is more common than asthma. Left untreated, sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of stroke and heart attack; accidental injury at home, work or while driving, caused by chronic sleepiness; and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Common Symptoms

Difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep Falling asleep when inactive, during mundane activities (reading or watching TV) Heavy snoring combined with gasping or grunting noises during sleep Waking up tired, even after a full night’s sleep Waking up with a headache Irritability and short temper Feeling very sleepy, perpetually tired, or falling asleep at inappropriate times (during meetings,

while reading or watching TV) Use of medication or alcohol to fall asleep Awakening several times a night from your sleep Problems with concentration or memory Vivid dreaming at sleep onset

A.W.A.K.E.—Alert, Well and Keeping Energetic—is a health awareness group for those with sleep disorders. The group is dedicated to exchanging information and increasing awareness of sleep, sleeping disorders and related health concerns. Everyone with a related interest in sleep and health is encouraged to attend. This meeting is held the first Monday of every month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Parrish Healthcare Center at Port St. John (south entrance). Call Kristina at 321-268-6408 for more information.

Sleep Evaluations A physician who specializes in sleep disorders will thoroughly evaluate you and do a complete medical history, with an emphasis on sleep-related issues, and a physical examination. it’s helpful if your spouse or a family member can be present during the interview to provide additional insight about your activities during sleep. If you need testing, we’ll explain what test(s) we recommend and how they can help you. Most patients are scheduled for an overnight sleep study, but some patients may need an additional daytime study.

During Testing You’ll be in a private room with a bathroom and shower. Each suite provides a serene, home-like

environment where you can get your sleep disorder diagnosed and/or treated using the latest techniques and technologies. A technician will explain the testing equipment and procedures. A variety of sensors will be connected to you so your breathing, sleep stages, muscle movements, eye movements, snoring, blood oxygen level, etc., can be monitored and recorded while you sleep. Nothing about this process is painful. The room is dark and quiet, but a technician will be able to check on you with an infrared camera and microphone. You’ll be awakened in the morning when the test is completed.

Results and Treatment A physician who specializes in sleep medicine will interpret your results. We will follow up with you to discuss the results and any recommendations.

Thank you for last night. I am so grateful that I chose PSJ for my sleep study. After listening to others, including those at last night's session, I value the advice and advocacy that you and the entire Sleep Center have provided to me. It began with just being lucky enough to have Holly with me my first night and being able to schedule with her for the second night as well. A friend suggested it was kinda "creepy" to have someone watch you sleep. I found it to be comforting to have Holly watching over me, giving such care and support. Then you called with my results. You were so knowlegeable and reassuring in answering my questions and providing insight into this entire medical process. When I brought in my CPAP card for the download, Arianne was so patient and informative in explaining what the pages and pages of print-outs meant. And then you allowed me to test-drive some different masks to help me find the one best suited to me. You know that I am very motivated to comply with the requirements of my apnea treatment, but I know that I lucked out in having Parrish PSJ as my medical mentor. -- Meg H.