Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Sanford Sleep Disorders Center?
The Sanford Sleep Disorder Center is a full service center that treats patients of all ages, from infants to adults. Our 10-bed center uses the latest in sleep lab technology to diagnose and treat all types of sleep disorders.

2. What is the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)?
Established in 1975, the AASM is the only professional society that is dedicated exclusively to the medical subspecialty of sleep medicine. The AASM serves its members and advances the field of sleep health care by: setting the clinical standards for the field of sleep medicine, advocating for recognition, diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, educating professionals dedicated to providing optimal sleep health care and fostering the development and application of scientific knowledge. The Sanford Sleep Disorders Center has been accredited by the AASM since 1986.

3. What is a sleep disorder?
A sleep disorder is a medical disorder of the sleep patterns of a person. Some sleep disorders are serious enough to interfere with normal physical, mental and emotional functioning.

4. What are the most common types of sleep disorders?
The Sanford Sleep Disorders Center deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all types of sleep disorders. The three most common disorders are Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy and Insomnia.

5. What is a sleep study or sleep test?
A sleep study or polysomnogram (PSG) is an outpatient overnight sleep test that records brain waves, muscle activity, leg and arm movements, oxygen levels, air flow and heart rhythms. It is not uncommon for a second study to be needed to determine which type of therapy is most effective.

6. How do you treat sleep disorders?
There are several types of sleep studies. The primary and most commonly done study is a polysomnogram (PSG). A PSG is an outpatient overnight sleep test where the technician places dime-sized sensors at various points on the patient’s body to record brain waves, muscle activity, leg and arm movements and heart rhythms.
Other body functions during sleep, such as oxygen levels, breathing rates and airflow at the nose and mouth are also recorded. This evaluation helps determine if the patient suffers from a sleep disorder, the type and severity of the disorder and how best to treat the condition. Follow up visits are scheduled and additional appointments are made as needed.

7. What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Each episode, called an APNEA lasts long enough so that one or more breaths are missed, and such episodes occur repeatedly throughout sleep. There are three forms of sleep apnea – obstructive and central and a mix of both obstructive and central.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is more common, affecting up to 5% of the adult population. It is due to collapse of the airway and results in repeated episodes of partially decreased airflow (hypopnea) or total loss of airflow (apnea) despite efforts to breathe.

Central Sleep Apnea is due to loss of effort to breathe. It is seen in congestive heart failure, neuromuscular disorders, and severe strokes and sometimes no obvious cause can be found.

Mixed Apnea is a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

8. What are some of the signs or symptoms of sleep apnea?
The most common symptoms include: Loud snoring that may be heard throughout the house, snoring that is interrupted by pauses and then gasps, frequent daytime exhaustion, high blood pressure, falling asleep at inopportune times (i.e. work or while driving), short attention spans, forgetfulness, irritability, anxiety or depression, awaking frequently, gasping for air and thrashing about during sleep and loss of interest in sex.

9. What does a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine do?
CPAP is an effective method of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. During this treatment, a mask is placed over your nose during sleep. Air is forced through the nasal passages by an air compressor, causing the air passageways to remain open. Recent studies have suggested that CPAP may also be effective in the treatment of central apnea, as well.

10. When do I call for an appointment?
Start by identifying your symptoms. Particular behaviors during the day are telltale signs of sleep deprivation. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms on a regular basis, your sleeplessness might be part of an ongoing problem or sleep disorder.  

1. Do you feel irritable or sleepy during the day?
2. Do you have difficulty staying awake when sitting still, watching television or reading?
3. Do you fall asleep or feel very tired while driving?
4. Do you have difficulty concentrating?
5. Do you often get told by others that you look tired?
6. Do you react slowly?
7. Do you have emotional outbursts?
8. Do you feel like taking a nap almost every day?
9. Do you require caffeinated beverages to keep yourself going?

If you are concerned that you may be suffering from sleep problems or a sleep disorder or would like to learn more about the treatment of sleep disorders, contact your primary physician or the Sanford Sleep Disorders Center at (605) 333-6302, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.