Health & Healing www.saintalphonsus.org
5
Get a better
NIGHT’S SLEEP
EVERYONE HAS THE
occasional night
when sleep is less than ideal. But if this
occasional night has turned into a routine
thing, then you may have a sleep disorder.
Finding the problem is important,
because when you aren’t sleeping well, it
can have a big impact on your life. Lack
of sleep not only afects your work and
relationships, it can literally make you sick.
High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke
and other medical conditions have all been
linked to sleep disorders.
If you are having problems sleeping, tell
your doctor. He or she can order testing
that can fnd sleep disorders.
Types of tests
According to the National Heart, Lung,
and Blood Institute, three tests are com
monly given at sleep centers. All are painless
and noninvasive, though each requires at
least several hours to complete.
Polysomnogram (PSG).
Tis overnight
exam is often used to detect sleep apnea,
a common sleep disorder characterized
by pauses in breathing, shallow breaths
and snoring.
Sensors are placed on your head, face,
chest, legs and a fnger. As you sleep, sensors
record brain waves, eye movements, heart
rhythm, blood pressure, airfow, blood
oxygen levels and other functions.
If the initial readings indicate sleep
apnea, the next portion of the test may
be done while you wear a special device to
improve nighttime breathing.
Multiple sleep latency test.
Among
other things, this daytime test helps diag
nose narcolepsy, a rare but potentially
serious neurological sleep disorder marked
by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden
episodes of muscle weakness.
With sensors attached to your head,
face and chin, you try to nap. A technician
checks your brain activity to see if and how
quickly you fall asleep and how deeply
you sleep.
Maintenance of wakefulness test.
Tis exam gauges daytime alertness. It may
be used to evaluate sleepdisorder treat
ments or to show if you’re awake enough
to drive safely, for example.
During the trial, you simply sit up
in bed and try to stay awake. Sensors
attached to your head, face and chin moni
tor your progress.
DO YOU HAVE A SLEEP PROBLEM?
Telltale signs of a sleep disorder include the following:
• You regularly have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep.
• People say you snore or that you gasp for breath when you sleep.
• During the night, you have a strong urge to move your legs, or your
legs tingle, itch or ache.
• You wake up tired and can’t function normally during the day.
• Your fatigue lasts two to three weeks or more.
If you have any of these signs, talk to your doctor. After an initial
exam, he or she may refer you to a sleep center for more tests.
National Sleep Foundation
SAINT
ALPHONSUS
SLEEP DISORDERS
CENTERS IN BOISE
AND NAMPA
Saint Alphonsus Regional
Medical Center
6140 N. Curtisian,
Suite B10
Boise, ID 83706
(208) 367-2008
Saint Alphonsus Medical
Center – Nampa
1512 12th Avenue Road
Nampa, ID 83686
(208) 463-5082
Hotel 43
981 Grove Street
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 367-2008
For a physician referral,
call 367-DOCS (3627).