LMHS Sleep Services Provide Restful Solutions
Have you ever had a rough night of sleep? For some people,
restless nights are more common than peaceful ones due to a sleep
disorder. If you have excessive daytime sleepiness, morning
headaches, lack of energy or depression, these may be signs of
sleep apnea.
"When most people think of sleep apnea they think of loud snoring,
gasping for air and breathing pauses," said Pam Helmlinger, manager
of the LMHS Sleep Lab. "These are signs of one type of sleep apnea
called obstructive sleep apnea, but there are other forms of the
condition that cause less commonly recognized
symptoms."
Another type of sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, is the result of
a brain malfunction. The respiratory muscles are not signaled to
move causing no airflow to enter in the lungs. In addition, mixed
sleep apnea exists where a person has both central sleep apnea and
obstructive sleep apnea.
For those who have had any of the symptoms listed or think they
may have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, diagnosis requires
an evaluation by a physician and a sleep study. Lima Memorial's
Sleep Clinic, located on the second floor of the hospital, offers a
physician consultation and evaluation. Following this evaluation,
patients with potential sleep disorders are sent to Lima Memorial's
Sleep Lab. The Sleep Lab, located in Professional Office Building
II, conducts sleep studies by viewing and evaluating patients while
they sleep.
"Typically, patients come to the Sleep Lab for a study just before
8 p.m. After completing paperwork, they are free to relax and go to
bed at their usual bed time. Equipment and a sleep technician
record breathing throughout the evening, and the patient can leave
in the morning," said Helmlinger. "Following the study, the results
will be reviewed with you by a sleep specialist."
Treatment for those with sleep apnea ranges from practicing good
sleeping habits to adding medical equipment to your nightly
sleeping routine. "Losing weight, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and
sleeping on your side may help to lessen sleep apnea effects," said
Helmlinger. "If those changes are not enough, a Continuous Positive
Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine or another oral device may be
recommended."
For more information on sleep apnea and other sleep disorders,
call the Sleep Clinic at (419)226-5036.