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| Sleep Center of Maine at SVH |
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When Sleep is the Problem, SVH Can Put That Worry to Rest
Do you have any of the following symptoms?
- Constant drowsiness during waking hours
- Morning headache, sore throat, or dry mouth
- Loud or irregular snoring
- Difficult breathing during sleep
- Energy loss
- Depression, irritability
- Decreased work performance
- Memory lapses
- Strong urge to move legs or uncomfortable leg sensations
- Insomnia
Any of these signs may mean you have a sleep disorder. There are nearly one hundred sleep disorders, which can affect all aspects of your life because a lack of sleep:
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Reduces your productivity
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Increases your risk of serious injury
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Diminishes your quality of life
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Can be an early sign of serious health problems
Living with a sleep problem is not easy for anyone, which is why Sebasticook Valley Hospital offers sleep study services at the SVH Sleep Center of Maine. In partnership with the Sleep Center of Maine (SCOM), SVH offers the residents of Sebasticook Valley a comfortable, convenient and fully equipped sleep center where sleep disorders are identified and diagnosed by certified medical professionals trained in the field of sleep disorders.
At the SVH Sleep Center, patients come for sleep analysis during either evening or daytime hours. Our helpful trained staff will assist you in preparing for the test and, while you are sleeping, will monitor your breathing and heart rate to ensure your safety.
Sleep Facts:
Sleep is a basic human need that is as important to good health as good nutrition and exercise. Restful sleep allows our bodies to heal from the rigors of life and provides a much-needed break from day-to-day stress. It is recommended that adults sleep least 7-8 hours each night, and children need much more.
Sleep Apnea
Snoring can be a symptom of a life-threatening sleep disorder called sleep apnea, which can cause strain on the heart. Factors that increase the risk of sleep apnea:
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Being 40 years of age or older
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Large tongue or tonsils
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Being overweight
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Having a recessed chin, small jaw, large overbite
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A large neck (17" or greater in men; 16" or greater in women)
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Smoking
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Alcohol
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Having a congenitive obstruction in the airways Sleep apnea can be treated if properly diagnosed.
Other Sleep Problems
Insomnia can be a symptom of a sleep disorder. Insomnia is common during daylight savings changes, during stressful times, after caffeine consumption, etc. Lack of sleep is linked to obesity, hypertension, and the onset of diabetes.
Daytime sleepiness can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
SVH Can Help Diagnose Your Sleep Problems
To diagnose your sleep problem, your healthcare provider may schedule you for a test called a polysomnography (sleep study) at Sebasticook Valley Hospital. An SVH sleep study requires you to complete a questionnaire (which you bring with you to your sleep study) and to sleep at Sebasticook Valley Hospital Sleep Center.
During your stay, your sleep is monitored closely through connectors placed on your head and body. A board-certified pulmonologist (a physician specializing in breathing disorders) reviews your questionnaire and the information from your sleep study. A complete report that includes suggested treatment and therapy is given to your healthcare provider, who will discuss it with you.
Once diagnosed, most breathing disorders during sleep can be managed.
Before Your Appointment:
Before your sleep study at SVH, you should complete a questionnaire about your sleep habits and history, which must be brought with you to ensure that your study is performed according to your needs. About two days before your test, an SVH representative will contact you by phone to complete your registration process.
When you arrive at the SVH Sleep Center for your sleep study, you will be greeted by a certified sleep technologist who will show you to a quiet, comfortable room for your sleep study. You will begin the sleep study process in which you will be asked questions about the events of your day. Then painless sensors will be placed on your chest, head, and legs, and you will be free to relax in the sleep bedroom until you fall asleep. Your sleep session will be recorded to show periods of wake and sleep.
Following the sleep study, you dress and go home or to work. We have bathing facilities and a private bathroom for you to change and get ready for your day.
Items to Bring with You
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Your usual hygiene products, like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, blow dryer, and hair products (towels are provided)
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Sleepwear: please bring loose-fitting, two-piece pajamas with a button-front top
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Reading materials
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Your completed questionnaire
SVH is a tobacco-free facility
Sleep Myths - Fact or Fiction?
1. Snoring is a common problem, especially among men, but isn't harmful.
Fiction. Although snoring may be harmless for most people, it can be a symptom of a life-threatening disorder called sleep apnea, especially if it's accompanied by daytime sleeplessness. Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing that prevent air from flowing into or out of a sleeping person's airways. People with sleep apnea often awaken frequently during the night gasping for breath.
2. You can "cheat" on the amount of sleep you get.
Fiction. Sleep experts say most adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep each night for optimum performance, health, and safety. When we don't get adequate sleep, we accumulate a sleep debt that can be difficult to "pay back" if it becomes too big, and that can be linked to health problems like obesity and high blood pressure.
3. It is important to maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule including weekends.
Fact. Our sleep-wake cycle is regulated by a "circadian clock" in our brain and the body's need to balance both sleep and wake time. A regular waking time in the morning strengthens the circadian function and can help with sleep onset at night, which is why it is important to keep a regular bedtime and wake-time even on weekends.
4. Turning up the radio, opening the window, or turning on the air conditioner are effective ways to stay awake when driving.
Fiction . These "aids" are ineffective and can be dangerous to the person who is driving while feeling drowsy or sleepy. If you feel tired while driving, the best thing to do is to pull off the road and take a 15-45 minute nap. Caffeine drinks can help overcome drowsiness for a short period of time, but it takes about 30 minutes before the effects are felt.
5. Teens who fall asleep in class have bad habits and are lazy.
Fiction . According to sleep experts, teens need at least 8½ to 9¼ hours of sleep each night, compared to an average 7 to 9 hours for adults. Their internal biological clocks also keep them awake later in the evening and keep them sleeping later in the morning. However, many school classes begin early in the morning when a teen's body wants to be asleep - resulting in many teens being too sleepy to learn.
From the National Sleep Foundation's website: www.sleepfoundation,org
Sleep Center of Maine
Chandler Street
Pittsfield, Maine
04967
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September 7, 2008
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