Sleep disorders are conditions that abnormally affect the quality, duration or behavior of a person’s sleep. These conditions include difficulties falling asleep or remaining awake. Some serious symptoms of sleep disorders are daytime sleepiness, excessive need of sleeping pills, morning headaches, heavy snoring, breathing irregularities during sleep and health problems. The most common sleep disorders are sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder.

Most of us need about eight hours of sleep a night to feel fully alert when we are awake, but many things can get in the way of sleeping well or long enough. When we don’t get enough sleep, our daily routines and activities can be interrupted and our ability to function can be reduced, which may be caused by a sleep disorder.

We can also help you with disorders such as narcolepsy, bed wetting, sleepwalking and night terrors. People that work evenings or on-call shirts may face sleep-related disorders as they must attempt to sleep when their bodies would normally be awake.

Testing & Treatment
Patients are usually required to stay the night in one of the Sleep Disorders Center’s bedroom suites where they will be observed by our qualified staff throughout the night. Our comfortable, private bedroom suites feature a queen-sized bed, a television, a private restroom with a shower and toiletries, and many of the amenities that you would have in your own home.

Some individuals require a special daytime test to find the cause of their sleepiness. If you are one of these people, you will be asked to stay for six to eight hours in the daytime. During this time, you will take a series of naps to evaluate your level of tiredness.

Treatments vary depending on the cause of the sleep disorder.

Staff Members
If you have a sleep disorder, the staff of the South Haven Community Hospital Sleep Disorders Center can work with you and your physician to help you return to normal sleep patterns. The staff consists of a Respiratory Therapists and Registered Sleep Technicians who have advanced training in sleep disorders. The physicians interpreting your test are board certified in sleep medicine.

Appointments
Patients must have an appointment for the initial consult and a physician referral if their insurance dictates. The sleep tests are run Sunday through Wednesday. The South Haven Health System Sleep Disorders Center accepts most insurances, Medicare, Medicaid and private pay.
 
For more information about the Sleep Disorders Center at South Haven Health System, call the Cardiopulmonary Department, at 269-637-5271 ext 2445.