Sleep Center at Woodward Regional Hospital

Health Resources:

- Overview of Sleep Problems - Insomnia - Sleep Apnea - Narcolepsy - Restless Legs Syndrome

Sleep Study Detailed information on sleep study, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, and an illustration of the procedure .

Quizzes - Sleep Apnea - Sleep: Test Your Knowledge

Having trouble sleeping? You're not alone. An estimated two in five Americans have a sleep disorder that leaves them with restless nights and drowsy days.

Not getting enough rest can affect your relationships and your ability to perform at your job. It can also affect your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, insufficient sleep has been linked to the development of chronic diseases and conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression.

Fortunately, sleep disorders are highly treatable. At the Woodward Regional Hospital Sleep Center, our staff can perform tests that help diagnose the root cause of your sleep troubles and then prescribe treatment designed to help you get the rest you need.
Our center consists of two plush rooms with comfy queen sized beds where patients can relax and watch television prior to settling in to bed for the night. The technologists are familiar with the various sleep disorders, what needs the patient may present upon arrival in the lab, and how to provide assistance to these patients.

Symptoms of some of these sleep disorders may include:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Morning headache
• Waking up early in the morning
• Snoring or gasping during sleep
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying awake
• Long periods of wakefulness at night
• Paused breathing or cessation of breathing
• Leg cramps
• Frequent moving throughout the night
• Talking or walking while asleep

How It Works

Polysomnography (sleep study) is the study of multiple parameters that affect how a person sleeps. The EEG (electrical brain activity), EOG (eye movement) and Chin EMG (muscle tone of chin) are used to determine the quantity and quality of sleep being obtained, stages of sleep and the presence of disruptions during sleep are seen in these parameters.

Other parameters of Polysomnography show what is disrupting a patient’s sleep. They include: EKG, Tibial EMG (leg movements), airflow and respiratory effort, and SAO2 (oxygen saturation). Technologists tally the percentage of each stage of sleep and the quantity of disruptions that affect the overall quality of sleep. The information obtained from the polysomnograph can help determine which sleep disorder(s) a patient may be suffering from.

Some sleep disorders like sleep disordered breathing, periodic limb movements of sleep, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy may require a polysomnograph for adequate diagnosis and evaluation for treatments.

Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep

• Regular exercise can be an effective sleep aid. It should be done in the morning and strenuouse exercise should be avoided three hours before bedtime.
• Don’t take naps in the afternoon or early evening. Get up and walk around. Don’t let yourself fall asleep until bedtime.
• The last heavy meal should be at least two to four hours before sleep.
• Limit nighttime chocolate.
• Sleep as much as needed to feel refreshed and healthy but not more.
• A light snack (less than 400 calories) may help sleep. Consider trying milk, eggs, tuna fish, cashews, or cottage cheese.
• Avoid caffeine in the evenings.

For more information about the Sleep Center, call 580-254-8670. To schedule an appointment, have your physician call 580-254-8440.