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Sleep Disorders CenterMount St. Mary's Homepage

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Mount St. Mary's Sleep Lab, established in 1995, is Niagara County's first hospital based sleep analysis center. The Lab analyzes and diagnoses sleep disorders based on symptoms which may include:

  • Snoring and/or sleep apnea (temporary loss of breathing)
  • Sleeplessness
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Constant tiredness
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches upon waking
  • Insomnia

Sleep disorders can greatly impact patient's lives. Lack of proper sleep has been proven to be a major cause of on-the-job and driving accidents. It is especially prevalent among shift workers. Sleep disorders can also cause anxiety, irritability, depression, hypertension, congestive heart failure and hyperactivity in children.

There are five stages of sleep individuals must reach in order to achieve the deepest, most restful sleep. Clients can wake up 50 - 200 times per night without even being aware of it, preventing entry into the deepest sleep stages. The Sleep Lab is designed to monitor a patient's sleeping behavior over an eight hour period. A polysomnography technologist will monitor clients over this period for the following:

  • EEG
  • Brainwave activity
  • Respiratory activity
  • Muscle jerks
  • Active eye movement and rapid eye movement (REM)
  • Airflow through nose and mouth
  • Oxygen level
  • Jaw movement
  • Gritting of teeth
  • Arousals and awakenings

This is accomplished through the use of a comfortable overnight room with video cameras and monitoring systems. St. Mary's technicians use the most advanced equipment available to analyze physical properties during sleep.

Once clients are diagnosed, treatment may include the following:

  • CPAP (Constant Positive Airway Pressure) method
  • Sleep position recommendations
  • Dental device recommendations
  • Surgery recommendations

Physician referral is necessary to participate in the program. Self-referral is possible, provided that our team members obtain physician approval. Clients of referring physicians may call the Rehabilitation Department at 298-2134 for more information.

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