Sleep disorders are an important and increasingly recognized cause of lower productivity, decreased quality of life, and accidents. Between 25 and 80 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, half of them are aged 65 or older. The most common sleep disorders include obstructive sleep apnea, periodic rhythmic leg movements during sleep, narcolepsy, and disturbances of normal sleep cycles.

To properly diagnose and treat sleep disorders, the Sleep Disorders Center offers neurodiagnostic testing which is also used to diagnose patients suffering from epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Testing is performed on an outpatient, overnight basis, minimizing disruption to patients.

For more information on Laurel Regional Hospital's Sleep Disorders Center, call 301-497-8759, or 410-792-2270, ext. 78759.

Q: How do I get a sleep study?
A: Your physician should make a referral to the Sleep Disorders Center to determine if your sleep problems require a sleep study. The study involves a night spent in the lab hooked up to a computer which tracks sleep activity. You'll find out if you have a problem and if it is mild, moderate, or severe.

Q: Do sleep studies hurt?
A: No. the electrodes - which are applied to the skin with a sticky substance - do not cause pain. They record breathing patterns, heart rate, brain waves, and other measurements.

Q: What type of physician should I see about my sleep problem?
A: Check with your personal physician first. If you do not have a personal physician, or if the physician is unsure what to do, the Sleep Disorders Center Medical Director can evaluate you or answer your physician's questions.

Q: I snore a lot. Can the Sleep Disorders Center help?
A: Snoring can have many different causes. You need to check with your physician to determine if a problem exists with your nose or throat. If there is a question of your snoring interfering with breathing during the night, a sleep study can determine if the problem requires further treatment.

Q: I'm sleepy during the day. Do I need a sleep study?
A: There are many possible causes for excessive sleepiness during the day. In general, it may be due to an abnormal system in the brain that controls wakefulness and sleep. A sleep study can help you and your physician determine what is wrong.

Q: Are sleep studies covered by insurance?
A: Almost all health insurance plans cover sleep studies, which are recognized as standard medical diagnostic procedures. However, some plans require special pre-certification, while others restrict which facilities you may use for certain types of procedures. Check with your personal physician or your health plan.