Services
Sleep Medicine & Sleep Studies
Our accredited sleep study program and treatments address disorders such as sleep apnea
Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
Sleep, sleep, sleep! It’s so important to our long-term health yet so many people are affected by sleep disorders and not getting the sleep they need. And it just doesn’t affect them! It affects their partners just as much!
Countless research studies confirm the importance of a good night’s sleep and long term health, yet statistics show that Americans do not get enough sleep and suffer from sleep disorders, such as: Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, Narcolepsy and Restless Legs Syndrome.
Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a breathing sleep disorder where your breathing stops and starts repeatedly while you sleep. Common symptoms may be loud snoring or you are tired after a complete night’s sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea and occurs when your throat muscles relax too much and cause you to stop breathing for a period of time.
Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms
- Snoring
- Sore/dry throat
- Waking up choking or gasping
- Tired or lacking energy throughout the day
- Sleepy while driving
- Morning headaches
- Restless during sleep
- Forgetfulness
- Mood changes
What is a sleep study?
A sleep study or sleep test monitors patients while they sleep to see what is happening in their brain and body. Murray County Medical Center offers two types of sleep tests including a home sleep test and onsite sleep test.
Sleep study onsite at MCMC
You will sleep onsite here at Murray County Medical Center, in a comfortable and private sleep environment.
To complete a sleep study a patient needs an exam and referral by their healthcare provider. Depending on symptoms and the exam, a patient may be recommended or qualify for a home sleep test prior to a a complete overnight sleep study.
Sleep Study Walkthrough:
- Arrive at MCMC to stay overnight. We recommend no alcohol, caffeine or naps before the study is completed.
- Bring items that are part of your normal, everyday night-time routine such as pajamas, favorite pillow, skincare items, toothbrush/paste, book, tablet, etc.
- A sleep technician will hook you up to a polysomnogram (PSG) which is an overnight sleep test. Electrodes are placed on your body (head, face, chest, limbs) and monitor your brain waves, muscle movement, heart rate, breathing and snoring while you sleep. Sometimes a video camera will record your physical movements.
- Results are sent to the referring physician.
- Abnormal results may require more testing, a CPAP machine or other treatment recommendation.
Home sleep test
Easy, effective, and in the comfort of your very own home! We now offer home sleep tests, with a provider’s order, so we can get the data we need to get to the bottom of your sleeping problems. If approved by insurance, this is a great option for someone suffering from sleep apnea but may be hesitant to get medical help.
To complete a home sleep test a patient needs an exam and referral by their healthcare provider.
Home Sleep Test Walkthrough:
- Stop in at MCMC to pick up the home sleep test and get instructions on how to run the equipment. It’s very easy!
- Complete the test at home during the night. Try to avoid alcohol, caffeine or naps before the home sleep test is completed.
- Bring the home sleep equipment back to MCMC’s Respiratory Therapy Department.
- MCMC will process the data and send the results to your healthcare provider.
- Abnormal or incomplete results may result in the recommendation for an onsite sleep study at MCMC, a CPAP machine or other treatment.
Kris Rohrer - Respiratory Care Manager
