Henry Medical Center, in Stockbridge, Henry County, Georgia

Everyone has trouble from time to time getting a good night’s sleep. Over 70 million Americans suffer from more than 80 types of sleep disorders that impact their relationships, health, routine daily activities and driving skills.

The Sleep Lab at Henry Medical Center is helping to diagnose and treat these patients while operating under the highest established standards.

Are you at risk for a Sleep Disorder?

The most often diagnosed sleep disorder is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). With OSA, patients stop breathing, often hundreds of times a night, which disrupts their sleep and puts them at a higher risk for uncontrolled hypertension, heart attacks and stoke. Common symptoms of OSA include:

Excessive daytime sleepiness (falling asleep at inappropriate times)
Loud snoring
Obesity
High blood pressure
Waking from sleep choking or gasping for air
Morning headaches
Loss of sex drive
Depression

Other sleep disorders include:

Narcolepsy – frequent attacks of drowsiness and sleepiness
Insomnia – an inability to initiate or maintain sleep
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)/Restless Leg Syndrome(RLS) - twitching of the legs and sometimes arms or creepy/crawly feelings in the legs
Parasomnias – disorder that includes sleep walking, bed-wetting, teeth grinding and night terrors

How are Sleep Disorders Diagnosed and Treated?

Sleep disorders are diagnosed through several methods and may include one or more nights and/or days of sleep testing. These non-invasive procedures follow the patients’ usual sleep/wake schedules.

The Sleep Lab at Henry Medical Center is located in the Henry Healthcare Eagle Spring building at 150 Eagle Spring Court. This safe hotel-like environment is complete with full-size beds, televisions and bathrooms.

Sleep Testing

A sleep study or nocturnal polysomnogram (NPSG) is an overnight test that looks at a patient’s brain waves, air flow, oxygen level, heart rhythm, and is performed at a patient’s usual bedtime.

The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) measures daytime sleepiness and consists of five 20-minute naps throughout the day following a sleep study. The patient must remain awake between naps.

The Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Study or Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (Bi-PAP) Study is a non-invasive treatment requiring a second sleep study to determine the appropriate amount of pressure that will eliminate the apnea and snoring. The Center utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment that allows for acquisition, scoring and data review. Reports are usually completed within one week.

Children Can Benefit from Sleep Testing

Sleep Disorders are not limited to adults. Often children who experience bed-wetting, night terrors or other sleep-related problems come to the center for help. Children with sleep problems often experience learning difficulties, slow growth and hyperactivity. Children ages six (6) and older may receive treatment at the center.

How to Arrange a Sleep Study

Contacting the Sleep Lab at Henry Medical Center is the first step. While patients may be referred by their primary care physician; they may also contact the center by calling 678-904-1890. We can assist in scheduling a consultation appointment with a local physician who will order the appropriate test(s) if indicated.

If you or someone you know suffers from any of the problems described, a better night’s sleep may be just a phone call away. Please call the Sleep Lab at Henry Medical Center for more information.

Good Sleeping Tips from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Get up about the same time every day.
Go to bed only when sleepy.
Establish relaxing pre-sleep rituals such as a warm bath, light bedtime snack or 10 minutes of reading.
Exercise regularly. Get vigorous exercise in the late afternoon, at least 6 hours prior to bedtime and mild exercise, such as simple stretching or walking, at least 4 hours prior to bedtime.
Keep a regular schedule. Regular times for eating meals, taking medication, performing chores and other activities help keep our inner clocks running smoothly.
Avoid caffeine within six hours of bedtime and don't drink alcohol, especially when you are sleepy. Even a small dose of alcohol when you are tired can have a potent effect.
Do not smoke before bedtime.
Try to nap at the same time every day. Mid-afternoon is best for most people.
Use sleeping pills conservatively. Most doctors seldom prescribe the use of sleeping pills for more than three weeks. Do not take sleeping pills after drinking alcohol.