leep Lab

Sleep isn’t just a time out from your daily life...it is an active state important for renewing your mental and physical health each day. More than 100 million Americans of all ages, however, regularly fail to get a good night’s sleep.

At least 84 disorders of sleeping and waking lead to lower quality of life and reduced personal health. They endanger public safety by contributing to traffic and industrial accidents. A surprising number of people are tired because they have a sleep disorder that has not been diagnosed or treated.

Sleep disorders include sleep apnea, chronic insomnia, restless leg and narcolepsy.

Sleep Apnea

One of the most common sleep disorders is Sleep Apnea. It causes the sleeper’s throat to relax so deeply that breathing stops. The sleeper gasps, wakes up briefly, and then goes back to sleep. This process repeats itself sometimes 20 to 60 times an hour. Recognizing and treating sleep apnea is important because it may be associated with irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and obesity.

The KCH Sleep Lab

The KCH Sleep Laboratory currently conducts three types of sleep studies:

Routine Sleep Study

This test is used for diagnostic purposes only. It will either identify or rule out Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Restless Leg Syndrome or Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome. Typically six hours of recorded sleep are needed for this test.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

During this session the technician educates you about CPAP and fits you with the proper device. The technician adjusts pressure levels while you sleep to determine the lowest pressure for the best therapy. This test is a follow-up to the Routine Sleep Study.

Split Study

During this test the first 2-4 hours are diagnostic for OSA, same as a Routine Sleep Study. The remainder of the test is done with the application of CPAP. This test must have at least four diagnostic hours to properly assess if you meet CPAP criteria. If there are not enough documented events by 2 a.m., you must return for the CPAP portion.

Sleep problems have become a modern epidemic that is taking a catastrophic toll on our bodies and minds.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Once an appointment is made, a packet will be sent to you with more information about your test. You will also receive a questionnaire to fill out and bring with you to your appointment. Prior to your appointment, you will receive a courtesy call from one of our staff members. She will confirm your appointment and answer any questions you may have.

Check your Symptoms

• Do you snore loudly?
• Have you been told that you gasp or choke in your sleep?
• Do you spend eight hours sleeping but don’t feel rested?
• Do you experience early morning headaches?
• Are you sleepy during the day, or do you take a lot of naps?
• Do you fall asleep at unusual times, such as at dinner or in movies?
• Do you have trouble going to sleep, or do you wake up in the middle of the night?

These are all symptoms of a sleep disorder. If you have any of them, see your doctor who can order a sleep study for you.

For more information call KCH Sleep Lab at (815) 748-8370 or (800) 397-1521, Ext. 158370.