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Getting to the Root of Sleep Problems – WakeMed’s New Sleep Center

WakeMed Health & Hospitals Sleep Medicine

Good sleep is critical to your long-term health. In fact, not getting the sleep you need can increase your risk for a whole host of health problems, including obesity, heart or kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke. Sleep is also important for your mental health and sleep deficiency has been linked to depression, suicide and risk-taking behavior.

But, how do you know if you have a sleep problem? While we all have a poor night of sleep or feel tired now and then, common signs of a sleep disorder include:

  • You don’t feel refreshed in the morning
  • You take regular naps – or feel like you need one most days.
  • You fall asleep at inappropriate times or feel excessively sleepy during the day.

Diagnosing Sleep Problems – Do You Need a Sleep Study?

If you’re concerned about your ability to sleep, it might be time for a sleep study. Sleep studies are used to diagnose common sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, REM behavior disorder and periodic limb disorder, among others.

A sleep study, also known as polysomnography, is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows your doctors to monitor your brain and body while you sleep. An electroencephalography (EEG) monitors your sleep stages and how much time you’re in REM vs nonREM sleep. An electomyography (EMG) keeps tabs on your muscle function while you sleep. Sensors for the airflow, blood oxygen level and respiratory movements will show if you stop breathing during sleep. Together, they’ll give your doctor a clearer picture of your sleep patterns, which can help diagnose common sleep disorders.

WakeMed’s New Sleep Center & What to Expect

Last month, WakeMed opened a new, state-of-the-art sleep center in the Health Park at Kildaire in Cary. Our sleep lab is laid out just like normal hotel rooms – you’ll have a private room and bathroom, and you’re welcome to bring personal items such as your favorite pillow or blanket. In most cases, you’ll arrive around 8 pm and a professional sleep technician will place sensors on your body to monitor your sleep overnight. Then, you can either read or watch TV until you’re ready to go to sleep.

During your sleep study, our team will use the latest technology to monitor your brain waves, muscle activity, leg movements, heart rhythms and other body functions. Testing is completely painless. Data from your test is collected, scored and interpreted by a sleep specialist, and sent to your referring physician for recommended treatment.

Featuring a calming and comforting atmosphere, convenient parking and state-of-the-art diagnostic testing, our new sleep center offers:

  • Sophisticated décor with queen-size beds.
  • Private restrooms (with walk-in shower) and control over room temperature.
  • Flat screen, high-definition televisions featuring Spectrum cable in each room.
  • Continental breakfast in the morning.

To schedule an appointment for a sleep study at WakeMed Cary Hospital Sleep Center, please call: 919-782-7240

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