Trouble Sleeping?

Are you one of the millions of people that are

suffering from chronic sleep disorders?  Take a few seconds and answer the following questions:

1. Do you have trouble staying awake during the day or early evening hours?

2. Do you snore during sleep, often with pauses in  your breathing?

3. Do you find yourself waking up at night       startled, often confused?

4. Are you easily irritable or suffer from poor judgment or concentration?

5. Do you suffer from high blood pressure,       morning headaches, sexual dysfunction or frequent nocturnal urination?

6. Are you obese or have a large neck size?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may be suffering from a sleep problem.  Maria Parham Sleep Center can help!

 The Maria Parham Sleep Center  

The Maria Parham Sleep Center offers four state-of-the-art sleep rooms.  Each sleep room features a large bed, cable television and a telephone.  After the study is completed, there is a private shower in your room for your convenience and a continental breakfast provided to you at no additional cost.

 If you have any questions concerning Sleep Disorders, please contact your physician or Maria Parham Sleep Lab at 252.436.1746What to Expect?

Patients of the Sleep Center usually arrive at the hospital around 9:00 p.m. and leave the next morning, usually around 6:00 a.m. A minimum of six hours of recording time is required to have a valid study. 

While you're at the Sleep Center, a nocturnal polysomnogram will be done. It's a simple (and painless) procedure that will measure bodily functions during sleep. Brain waves, heartbeats, eye movements and muscle tension will be monitored along with leg movements, airflow breathing, chest and abdominal breathing and blood oxygen levels. 

What is a Sleep Study?

A sleep study or polysomnography, is typically an overnight test that monitors all aspects of your sleep.  A sleep study is usually an outpatient procedure and is performed in one of our specially equipped sleep rooms.

During the test, our specially trained sleep technicians will monitor your breathing, heart rate, oxygen saturation, leg movements and brain waves.  The night’s sleep is recorded and all of the data is compiled and the results given to a board certified sleep doctor.  He will interpret the data and give you your diagnosis.  If the problem is obstructive in nature, you may be required to have a second test performed utilizing possible corrective actions.

 Does Insurance Cover Sleep Studies?

Our services are covered by most insurance policies along with Medicaid and Medicare.  We will work to get pre-authorization from your carrier to eliminate financial problems.

How Can I Get a Sleep Study?

Only a physician can order a sleep study.  We recommend that you speak to your family doctor about your sleep difficulties.  He can order a study directly or he may often refer you to a sleep specialist such as our Board Certified Sleep Physician.

Why Can’t I Get a Good Night’s Sleep?

It happens to everyone once in a while... that’s normal.  If it happens frequent...now that’s a problem.  However, you are not alone.  Sleep disorders are much more common than you may think, almost 1 out of 3 adults have trouble getting adequate, quality sleep.

So I am Tired, What’s the Big Deal?

Aside from the obvious - low energy, poor work performance and general irritability, sleep problems are associated with more serious health concerns.  Congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, weight gain and depression are often results of poor sleep.

What Can You Do for Me?

Maria Parham Sleep Center’s primary goal is to get you a good night’s sleep.  Along with your Physician and under the supervision of our Board Certified Sleep Physician, we will monitor your sleep and recommend the best solution to your sleep problem. 

Sleep Terminology

Apnea - When you stop breathing for a period of more than 10 seconds.

Sleep Obstruction - During sleep, your airway is blocked, usually by fatty tissue in your airway.

Polysomnography - A special test, usually overnight, design to observe and monitor you during sleep.  

MSLT - Multiple Sleep Latency Test

A specialized sleep study, usually performed after a standard polysomnography, consisting of several short daytime naps that are closely monitored.  Used to diagnose narcolepsy.

Insomnia:The inability to fall or stay asleep.  Everyone has problems on occasions.  Insomnia usually refers to an ongoing problem.

Narcolepsy:Excessive daytime drowsiness and the tendency to fall asleep suddenly.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder:When your arms and/or legs move excessively during sleep.

CPAP - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.  A device, worn like a mask, that maintains air pressure in your airway to help eliminate obstruction.