Sleep Center

A lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, depression, reduced attention and concentration, poor judgment, memory loss, more frequent illnesses or lost productivity. Sleeplessness can also lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. For those diagnosed with a sleep problem, the Sleep Center at Saints Medical Center offers a special diagnostic study, which involves making a recording that identifies different sleep stages and classifies various sleep problems.

Many adults place themselves at risk for injury, health concerns and behavior problems because they are not meeting the necessary sleep requirements. Sleep is an active state important for renewing mental and physical health. Sleep disorders can lead to:

.    Fatigue, irritability, depression, reduced attention and concentration
.    Poor judgment, memory loss, more frequent illnesses or lost productivity
.    Increased risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure
.    Risk to public safety by contributing to traffic and industrial accidents

Sleep problems can also lead to sleepwalking, nightmares, difficulty staying awake, difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, difficulty staying with a regular sleep/wake cycle.

Patients diagnosed with a sleep problem have the option to participate in a sleep study (polysomnogram), an overnight recording that includes taking measurements to identify different sleep stages and classify various sleep problems. The test involves a sleep technician who applies electrodes (small metal discs) to the head and skin to measure activities that occur in the body during sleep such as brain waves, snoring, heart rate, muscle, eye and leg movements. Sensors are placed near the nose and mouth monitor airflow and elastic belts are placed around the chest and abdomen to measure movement. A sensor is placed on the index finger to monitor oxygen.

To better understand sleep problems, specialists look at various brain activities and body systems throughout the night. Many parts of the brain control sleep and influence its different stages. These stages of sleep include drowsiness, light sleep, deep sleep, and dream sleep. It is possible to identify which stage of sleep a person is in by measuring different activities of the brain and body.

The sleep technician scores the large amount of recorded data for our physician sleep specialist to review and interpret the results. If there is evidence of a sleep related problem, the physician will prescribe treatment recommendations and options.

Our physician sleep specialist may recommend that the sleep study be repeated with a device called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when a person stops breathing repeatedly during sleep because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs.

People with diagnosed sleep disorders can significantly improve the quality of their lives. By using the prescribed therapy, people can enjoy the restful sleep they need to experience less daytime fatigue, improved mood, improved memory and concentration, better work performance, fewer health risks and less risk of motor vehicle and work-related accidents.

For more information about the Sleep Center, please call 978-934-8373, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm.