Sleep Medicine

The two most common disorders are Insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). If left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, headaches, chronic fatigue and even death.

In addition to these most common disorders, the Sleep Disorders Center at Wayne Memorial Hospital is a specially designed facility where sleep studies, called polysomnograms, are conducted to diagnose up to 85 different sleep disorders in adults.

Could You Be Suffering From A Sleep Disorder?

• Are you often sleepy during waking hours?
• Do you snore regularly and loudly?
• Has your sleep partner noticed you gasping or failing to breathe during sleep?
• Do you have a weight problem?
• Do you still feel tired after a full night of sleep?

A sleep study can provide a diagnosis and help your doctor determine the most effective treatment for your disorder. Polysomnograms are painless, non-invasive tests during which highly trained technologists monitor breathing, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, eye movement, muscle tone and other factors throughout one full night of sleep.

The sleep lab simulates a comfortable home environment with in-room TVs, bedroom sets and private baths with showers. Patients arrive at the facility in the early evening and stay until the following morning. The pleasant surroundings make it easier to fall asleep so that information about sleep patterns can be collected and interpreted. Recent expansion has given the Center the latest in technology and doubled the capacity of the Center to four patients.

Upon completion of the sleep study, Wayne Memorial Hospital offers all sleep lab patients a complimentary breakfast in the cafeteria.

The sleep lab is staffed by Dr. Sean McVeigh, a specialist in pulmonology and sleep medicine, as well as board certified, Registered Polysomnographic Technologists. All completed studies are reviewed and results interpreted by Dr. McVeigh. Written reports are sent to the referring physicians so that patients can seek treatment for their particular disorders.

How Can Sleep Disorders Be Treated?

Sleep disorders can sometimes be treated using medications. A weight loss program may be prescribed if the patient is overweight. In the case of an airway obstruction, surgery may be indicated. Frequently, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) equipment is used to assist with breathing during sleep. A CPAP machine blows air through a mask worn over the nose during the night, to keep the airway open. Your doctor can discuss treatment options with you.

If you think you may have a sleep disorder, contact your doctor and request a referral to the Wayne Memorial Sleep Disorders Center. To make an appointment for a sleep study, please call (570) 251-6689