Thomasville Medical Center 
Sleep Disorders Center
| You spend one-third of your life sleeping. Your daytime performance is directly affected by the quality of your sleep. You could have a sleep disorder and not be aware of it. |
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Discover the difference of a good night's sleep.
Contact the Sleep Disorders Center at Thomasville Medical Center, 336-476-2578 or 877-778-9170.
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Thomasville Medical Center can play an important role in detecting, evaluating and treating a wide range of sleep abnormalities and sleep-related disorders.
Common sleep disorders
- Sleep Apnea is a condition in which an obstruction of the airway pauses breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea is a serious medical problem that can lead to many life threatening illnesses if not treated, including high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack.
- Narcolepsy is a condition in which excessive daytime sleepiness occurs regardless of the sleep received from the previous night. Narcoleptics can also experience sleep paralysis, terrifying dreams or hallucination just before falling asleep or upon awakening.
- Insomnia is a condition in which the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep is difficult. One of the most common sleep problems, insomnia can be caused by a wide variety of physical and/or psychological problems.
- Periodic leg movements during sleep can be characterized by movements that are often violent. A person is rarely aware of their own nightly leg movements. Most people who suffer from this disorder complain of excessive daytime drowsiness and unrefreshing sleep.
- Restless leg syndrome is characterized by uncomfortable crawling sensations felt inside the leg when at rest. Often the person must get up and move around to obtain relief.
Take the Self Quiz to determine if you are having sleep problems.
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Would you like more information about sleep disorders? Visit our Health Library for answers. |
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Sleep center
A sleep medicine center is a medical facility designed to evaluate people with sleep disturbances or problems.
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The center is directed by a physician who specializes in sleep, and the staff consists of trained technical specialists. People are evaluated during sleep and the physician uses the studies to diagnose sleep problems.
Until recently, many sleep disorders were thought to be untreatable or related to age. With the establishment of sleep centers and recent interest in sleep, we now know disorders can be successfully treated.
Evaluation Process
The evaluation begins when you complete a sleep questionnaire and diary. Once this information is reviewed by the physician, you (and maybe your bed partner) will be interviewed and undergo a brief physical examination. At this point, the physician may be able to make a tentative diagnosis and begin treatment.
The causes of some types of problems may not yet be clear, so you may be scheduled for a polysomnogram (all night sleep test), other laboratory tests or need to see another medical specialist. After all tests are completed, the physician will review results with you and recommend an appropriate treatment regimen.
Polysomnogram
A polysomnogram is a comprehensive, all night testing procedure. Electrodes and sensors are attached to the patient's head, chest, abdomen and legs to continually record brain and various muscle activity, eye movements, breathing, oxygen and occasionally other bodily functions.
There should be no pain associated with the test. With the exceptioni of feeling the attached sensors (like feeling clothing), no unpleasant sensations will be experienced. We try to reproduce your usual sleep routine in the laboratory, but in some cases your normal routine may be disruptive to the procedure. Staff monitors you throughout the procedure and are available to assist you.
Referrals & Insurance
Although many patients are referred by physicians, patients are accepted who come to us directly. Arrangements for payment must be made prior to the study, so you need to contact your insurance company for coverage information. You will be billed by the hospital for all technical aspects of the tests ordered through the sleep center. Professional charges of physician interviewing or interpreting sleep studies done in the lab will be billed separately.
For More Information
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Sleep Disorders Center Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Call us at 336-476-2578 or 1-877-778-9170.
