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Sleep, or lack of it, is getting more attention than ever. It's estimated
more than 100 million Americans of all ages regularly fail to get a good
night's sleep and for many, the reason is a sleep disorder.
Sleep studies can help diagnose sleep disorders and more and more people
are turning to studies rather than tossing and turning all night. Because
of that, Saint Joseph Health Center is expanding its sleep lab from two
to four rooms.
"Right now, a patient has to wait six to eight weeks for a study," says
Joe McDonald, RRT, director of Pulmonary Services for Carondelet Health.
"That can be very frustrating. When the construction is finished this
summer, we'll be able to get someone in for a study in one to two weeks."
Saint Joseph Health Center has operated a sleep lab for three years.
McDonald has seen demand for studies increase substantially during that
time. "There is more awareness now than ever before-on the part of physicians
and the public. People are realizing there may be a physical reason why
they're tired all the time and they can get treatment. Too often, people
assumed fatigue was something they just had to live with. But now, they
are realizing there may be a physical reasons why they're tired all the
time and that they can get treated."
The sleep lab at Saint Joseph Health Center is designed for comfort.
The rooms are not like hospital rooms, they are modeled more like hotel
rooms with full size beds. Most studies are done overnight, but daytime
studies are available for those who normally sleep during the day.
"We believe in tailoring the study to fit the patient's lifestyle," says
McDonald. "There is just no reason not to get to the bottom of a sleep
problem."
For more information about the sleep lab at Saint Joseph Health Center,
call 816-943-3033.
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