Getting a good night's sleep is more important than you might imagine. Besides feeling drowsy the next day, people who don't get sufficient sleep are at risk for injury, behavior problems and even serious health problems - such as hypertension, depression, congestive heart failure and stroke.

Seeking help is the first step to resting easier for many sleep-deprived patients. Talk to your doctor and describe your symptoms. If he or she prescribes a sleep test, the Uniontown Hospital Sleep Center is here to help.

Improving ZZZ's and Diagnosing Your Sleep Disorder

If your doctor has recommended a sleep study, the Uniontown Hospital Sleep Center provides a safe, comfortable and state-of-the-art facility. Featuring the latest polysomnography equipment, the Sleep Center offers a variety of tests for everything from insomnia and sleep apnea to narcolepsy, sleepwalking and more. Located in a quiet, secure area right inside the hospital, the center is headed by Pierre Edde, MD, Board-Certified Pulmonologist and a Sleep Medicine Specialist. It is also staffed with polysomnographic technologists and respiratory therapists.

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Once you have a referral from your primary care physician, you'll set up a time to meet with Dr. Edde. During this visit, Dr. Edde will evaluate your sleep problems, and decide whether you need a more extensive, overnight sleep test.

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If Dr. Edde recommends a sleep test, you'll report to the Uniontown Hospital registration department the night of the test between 7-8 p.m. Your spouse is welcome to spend the night as well, if it makes you more comfortable. Also, be sure to bring any sleep aid you want, such as your favorite pillow or a white-noise machine. After check-in, you will be directed to the Sleep Center.

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When you arrive at the Sleep Center, a sleep technician will take you to your room. You may sleep in a bed or chair, whichever you choose.

At this time, you'll see a video that shows what will happen during your test. You will also be given information about sleep apnea. Between 9-10 p.m., it's lights out and your test gets underway.

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While you drift off to sleep, sleep technicians will closely monitor your sleep and breathing patterns. If your numbers are extreme, the technician may place a CPAP mask on your face to help you breathe more easily. Typically, patients wake up between 4-5 a.m., and are on their way home by 6 a.m.

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Soon after you've completed the sleep test, Dr. Edde will review your test and interpret the results. In a follow-up visit, he will discuss the results and recommend the next steps, including treatments such as sleep medication.

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If your sleep test indicates a sleep disorder, here's good news: There are many treatments available to help. Our sleep specialist, Dr. Edde, may recommend medication, weight loss, dental appliances, surgery or the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.

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Polysomnography
This tests sleep cycles and stages through the use of continuous recording of brain waves (EEG), electrical activity of muscles, eye movement, breathing rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, heart rhythm and direct observation of the person during sleep.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine
During sleep, if CPAP is necessary, you will wear a face mask that forces air into the nasal passages to overcome obstructions in the airway and stimulate normal breathing.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
This common sleep test records brain waves, heart rate, muscle activity and eye movements and is often given as a series of "nap tests."

Maintenance Wakefulness Test
This test measures a person's ability to stay awake and alert during different times throughout the day and under various circumstances. Some workers, such as airline pilots and truck drivers, may be required to pass this test.

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Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that occurs when the tongue, excess tissue or relaxed throat muscles block the airway. This causes breathing to stop for 10 to 90 seconds. As the body struggles for air, the sleeper wakes briefly. Then breathing resumes. This process can repeat itself hundreds of times a night, but the sleeper may not remember. Signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, followed by a breathless pause and ending with a snort or gasp. Other symptoms include restless movements, morning headaches, impotency, a decreased ability to concentrate, frequent nighttime urination, memory loss and daytime sleepiness.

Insomnia
People who have insomnia are unable to fall asleep night after night, or they wake earlier than they'd like and can't get back to sleep. Although often accepted as a normal part of life, insomnia is a sleep disorder that can have devastating effects on careers and personal lives.

Restless Leg Syndrome
The symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome include legs thrashing prior to sleep, muscle pain upon waking and a crawling or restless sensation in the legs. Treatment often includes better sleep habits, exercise and avoidance of stimulants such as caffeine.

Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is an irresistible urge to doze on and off during the day. It is caused by a nervous system disorder involving the REM phase of sleep. Other symptoms may include hallucinations just before or after sleep, muscle weakness or an inability to move for several minutes after waking. A daytime study can confirm narcolepsy, which may be treated by daytime naps, medication and improved sleep habits.

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After you obtain a referral from your primary care physician, call the Uniontown Hospital Sleep Center to set up an appointment. In two weeks or less, you can meet with our Sleep Specialist and schedule your sleep test in our comfortable, secure, state-of-the-art facility. You'll also be pleased to know that our Sleep Center accepts most major insurance plans. To find out more, or to schedule an appointment, call (724) 430-5336, Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4 PM.

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