The latest NorthShore Regional Medical Center program to move to the hospital’s new Neuroscience Institute is the Sleep Disorders Center, a fully accredited facility providing diagnoses and treatment for adults and children.

“The newly renovated headquarters for the Sleep Disorders Center allows us to treat patients in even more convenient, comfortable and well-equipped facilities,” explains Medical Director Anwant Chawla, MD. “Our location in the Neuroscience Institute enhances the care we offer patients with sleep disorders.”

The new Sleep Disorders Center increases the number of beds from two to four and has been designed from the ground up to provide the ideal environment for sleep diagnostics and treatment. Fresh surroundings and new furnishings complement the advanced neurological technology used during sleep studies, in which patients are monitored overnight in a home-like sleep laboratory.

Fully accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and led by a Medical Director board-certified in sleep medicine, the Sleep Disorders Center addresses the more than 80 official sleep disorders, including insomnia, snoring, apnea, nightmares, night terrors, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy.

“Everyone needs to understand that sleep is more than desirable rest,” says Dr. Chawla. “It’s a biological function essential to good health. Many people with sleep disorders do not realize that they are suffering from a medical problem that can be treated. Relief is available.”

Through relatively recent advances in diagnostics, medication and other technologies, there are more treatment options than ever before once a sleep disorder has been properly diagnosed.

Sleep problems are extremely common. As many as 40 percent of adults say they have some symptoms of insomnia within a given year, and 10-15 percent report chronic insomnia. Most people know first-hand how bad lack of sleep can make us feel. What isn’t as widely realized is that sleep disorders are linked to accidents and poor job performance. Sleep apnea and narcolepsy can be life-threatening if left untreated.

When should persons seek medical help for sleep problems? Dr. Chawla has this guideline. “If sleep problems last longer than a week, are bothersome, or if sleepiness interferes with normal function during the day, a doctor’s help may be needed. Seek medical attention for excessive snoring or chronic daytime sleepiness, which could be signs of serious health conditions.”

The wide range of sleep disorders means that there are also many ways to diagose and treat them. Some patients can be diagnosed through a physician’s exam and treated through changes to their diet, sleep habits or surroundings.
In other cases, patients may need a sleep study. By monitoring patients throughout the night at the Sleep Disorders Center, physicians can get detailed data on many physical functions.

At the Sleep Disorders Center, patients stay overnight in a lab furnished like a normal bedroom. Certified technologists monitor their breathing, eye movements, heartbeat, brainwaves, leg movements and other indicators. The Medical Director thoroughly analyzes the results and prepares a detailed report useful in diagnosis and in determining appropriate treatments.

Common treatments can include medication or special devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), worn at night to treat sleep apnea.

With the wealth of expertise and treatments available for sleep disorders, a good night’s rest is no longer elusive. Medical help is available at NorthShore’s Sleep Disorders Center.

Call NorthShore’s Sleep Disorders Center at (985)646-5711. You can discuss whether or not you sleep disorder needs medical attention. Or visit your primary care physician, who can refer patients to the center. If you don’t have a doctor, NorthShore can provide a free referral at northshoremedctr.com or 1-888-NSRMC-4-U (1-888-677-6248).