In the hustle and bustle of today's world, sleep often takes a backseat to our busy schedules. However, prioritizing quality sleep is crucial for optimal health and well-being. At Door County Medical Center (DCMC), we understand the importance of restful sleep and offer a comprehensive range of sleep lab services to address various sleep disorders and improve overall sleep quality.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Sleep Lab?

Sleep disorders can manifest in various ways, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, daytime drowsiness, sleep-disordered breathing, or abnormal movements and behaviors during sleep. Contrary to popular belief, not all sleep disorders result in overt tiredness or snoring. As Dr. Andrzej Kurek, a sleep physician at DCMC, explains, having a sleep disorder is akin to having hypertension or diabetes – you may not "feel" the disease, but it still requires treatment.

With over 80 different types of sleep disorders identified by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH), the most common include insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. The latter, characterized by repeated upper airway blockages during sleep, can lead to pauses in breathing and reduced oxygen levels. Insomnia, on the other hand, involves difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be a good candidate for a sleep consultation:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Insomnia
• Morning headaches
• Nocturia (excessive urination at night)
• Abrupt awakenings from gasping
• Panic attacks
• Nocturnal asthma

Additionally, patients with gastroesophageal reflux, swallowing disorders, nocturnal seizures or cardiopulmonary conditions such as congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, or history of stroke are encouraged to consider a sleep consult.

What Sleep Services are Available at DCMC?

At DCMC's Sleep Disorders Facility, located at our Sturgeon Bay campus, we offer comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis with or without a physician's referral.

Our sleep lab services encompass a wide array of diagnostic and treatment options tailored to meet individual needs. From education on sleep disordered breathing to in-lab sleep testing and home sleep testing, we offer comprehensive solutions for various sleep conditions.

Evaluation and Diagnosis

Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, our facility utilizes state-of-the-art technology to monitor key indicators such as heart rate, breathing patterns, and brainwave activity. Whether through in-lab sleep testing or at-home sleep tests, we ensure a safe, non-invasive evaluation tailored to your needs.

"Our private bedrooms are designed for comfort and equipped with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, wireless internet access, and eco-friendly linens," explains DCMC Director of Cardiopulmonary Services Chris Asher BSRT, RRT, RPSGT. Each room provides a peaceful environment conducive to restorative sleep, with individual temperature controls and comfortable furnishings. Asher continues, "Our goal is to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible."

Outside the lab, our services include home sleep tests, motion detection studies (actigraphy), overnight oximetry and non-diagnostic apnea screeners. Whether you're dealing with obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, or other sleep disorders, our team is here to help.

Treatment and Follow-Up

Following diagnosis, our team of board-certified sleep physicians, registered technologists, and clinical sleep educators work closely with you to develop personalized treatment plans. For conditions like sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is often recommended. This treatment can have an immediate and transformative impact on sleep quality, leading to improved overall well-being.

What sets DCMC's Sleep Disorders Facility apart is our commitment to personalized care and ongoing support. We prioritize building relationships with our patients and providing attentive follow-up to ensure treatment success. Our dedicated staff understands that patient compliance is crucial to achieving positive outcomes in sleep medicine.

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Quality sleep is not a luxury – it's a necessity for optimal health and well-being. If you're struggling with sleep issues or simply not feeling rested, don't hesitate to reach out to DCMC's Sleep Disorders Facility. Call us at (920) 746-3570 to schedule a free screening or sleep evaluation.