Ozarks Healthcare Sleep Center
The Ozarks Healthcare Sleep Center offers testing, including overnight sleep studies, to help find the source of an individual’s sleep problems. The staff works with a patient’s personal physician to provide necessary treatment.
About the Sleep Center
- Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
- Performs studies on people of all ages, including children
- Staffed by four technicians, who are licensed respiratory therapists and/or registered in polysomnography (sleep studies)
- Each sleep test is interpreted by a Board Certified Sleep Specialist with specialized training in sleep disorders
About the Facility
The Sleep Center moved to a new, completely renovated, state-of-the-art facility in 2013. The facility includes six private rooms for sleep studies.
Each room includes:
- Private bathroom with shower
- Large flat-screen television
- Controlled heating & cooling unit
Scheduling a Sleep Study
Sleep studies may be scheduled by referral from a healthcare provider only at the Ozarks Healthcare Sleep Center. Ask your provider for more information if you think you may need a sleep study conducted.
Types of Sleep Tests
Sleep study:
Called a polysomnogram, this is a test that documents respiratory, neurologic, and physical abnormalities by measuring body functions while you sleep. During the all-night test, monitoring electrodes are attached to your scalp, chin, the area around your eyes, and your leg muscles to monitor your brain waves, eye muscle movements, and leg movements. Your heart rate and respiration, airflow, and oxygen are also monitored.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT):
An MSLT is performed when a diagnosis of narcolepsy is suspected. This test is given during the day after a polysomnogram. It charts how quickly you fall asleep during quiet daytime situations.
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT):
An MWT is used to determine your alertness during the day. It shows whether or not you are able to stay awake for a defined period of time during the day.
How to Prepare for a Sleep Test
- Avoid naps during the day of your test.
- Avoid caffeine-containing products, such as coffee, tea, soda or chocolate for at least six hours prior to your test.
- Bring comfortable nightclothes and your personal pillow, if you feel it would help you sleep better.
- Before your sleep study, you will be given a questionnaire to complete, which includes questions about your medical history and sleep routine.
Why Are Sleep Studies Important?
In the U.S., 60 million people suffer from sleep disorders. Sleep disorders can have a major impact on your daily activities and health. Disrupted sleep can lead to:
- Memory loss
- Anxiety and depression
- Disorientation
- Change in mood
- Headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Decreased ability to concentrate
If left untreated, some sleep disorders can increase your risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Congestive heart failure
Sleep apnea is among the most common disorders. It is a sleep-related breathing disorder that can interrupt your sleep hundreds of times a night and can cause life-threatening medical problems. One of the most notable signs of this disorder is excessive snoring.
Do You Need a Sleep Study?
Take the following quiz to determine whether you may be suffering from a sleep disorder
Answer yes or no to each question
__ Have you been told that you often snore loudly?
__ Have you been told there are times when you stop breathing momentarily while you sleep?
__ Do you fall asleep while watching T.V, reading or talking?
__ Do you fight to stay awake while driving a vehicle?
__ Is there a history of sleepiness in your family?
__ Does the person who sleeps with you complain about your kicking and excessive movements?
__ Are you sleepy during the day even after a full night's sleep?
If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, you may have a sleeping disorder and should talk to your physician.
