Sleep is essential for good health. However, millions of people suffer with some type of sleep disorder that prevents them from having a good night's sleep. Often the symptoms of a sleep disorder go unrecognized and untreated. Without help, an individual’s quality of life can suffer, possibly leading to other medical conditions, accidents, or even death.
The Sleep Disorders Center at Parkland Health Center-Bonne Terre is dedicated to diagnosing and treating a variety of sleep disorders.
Who Can Benefit?
Individuals experiencing one or more of these symptoms may be suffering a sleep disorder.
- Persistent sleepiness during the day
- Habitual snoring
- Regularly waking up tired and unrefreshed
- Waking with a headache or dry mouth
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Leg twitches or aches at night
- Unintentionally falling asleep
- Unusual behavior during sleep, such as sleepwalking
A physician referral is required for diagnostic testing at the Sleep Disorders Center. Most insurance plans cover diagnostic testing and treatment for sleep disorders. Contact your insurance company for your specific coverage.
What We Offer:
Specialized staff -- You're in good hands with our highly trained physicians and technicians. Our sleep physicians have backgrounds in either pulmonary medicine or neurology.
Sophisticated testing -- A polysomnogram, or sleep study, is an outpatient procedure performed overnight at the Center. Several small electrodes are placed on the surface of the skin to monitor overnight sleep patterns such as brain waves, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing, and snoring. Sometimes additional testing is needed during the day to diagnose other types of sleep disorders. A consultation is often offered before and after testing to tailor the testing, diagnosis, and treatment to your needs.
Comfortable accommodations -- The private rooms used for testing resemble comfortable hotel rooms, with large beds, TV and restful decor.
Rapid results -- The sleep center offers rapid diagnostic and treatment services to restore quality, restful sleep. Trained sleep specialists will interpret the results and work with you to find the most appropriate treatment.
Common Sleep Disorders & Symptoms:
Sleep apnea -- A serious medical disorder in which breathing is repeatedly obstructed for short periods of time, and resumes after a brief arousal. This can happen hundreds of times a night. It can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Common symptoms are habitual snoring, daytime sleepiness, irritability and memory impairment.
Narcolepsy -- A disorder of the central nervous system that causes excessive daytime sleepiness or "sleep attacks," cataplexy (sudden weakness or paralysis from laughter or anger) or sleep paralysis (a brief feeling of paralysis when falling asleep or awakening).
Restless legs syndrome -- Involves "creepy crawly" sensations in the legs resulting in a frequent need to move the legs for comfort. Often this can lead to insomnia and to Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome, which is the occasional kicking or moving of the limbs while asleep.
Insomnia -- A condition where falling asleep or maintaining sleep is difficult. Insomnia may be the result of depression or other sleep or medical disorders.