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| A lack of quality sleep creates a sleep deficit. |
Millions of Americans suffer from sleep disorders - conditions that disrupt or prevent sleep.
The Washington University Sleep Medicine physicians offer the latest in comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for all types of sleep disorders such as snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, shift work syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, REM behavior disorder and narcolepsy. For Sleep Medicine Center Appointments Call (314) 362-4342.
What Are The Signs or Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Signs that may indicate if you or a loved one suffer from a sleep disorder include:
- Habitual loud snoring, especially when associated with pauses or snorting noises
- Frequent brief choking or awakening gasping or short of breath
- Awakening with a headache
- Persistent sleepiness when awake or episodes of falling asleep unintentionally
- Persistent fatigue
- Persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep
- An urge to keep moving legs at bedtime or rhythmic twitching of the legs after falling asleep
- Unusual behaviors during sleep such as sleepwalking
The Sleep Medicine Center is conveniently located at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel at 212 North Kingshighway, Suite 237. Parking is available in the Chase Park Plaza Garage and tickets will be stamped at the Sleep Center. Free valet parking is available for those patients who need wheelchair assistance or help with their belongings.
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| Sleep.wustl.edu |
I Don't Think I Have Sleep Apnea, But I Can't Get A Good Night's Sleep!
A more detailed description of various sleep disorders and treatment options can be found at the Washington University Sleep Medicine Center web site, or view the sleep study video
and experience a night at the Washington University Sleep Medicine Center. The Sleep Disorder Team Of Physicians
The Washington University Sleep Center is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians from the departments of neurology, pulmonary and critical care medicine, otolaryngology/head and neck surgery, and psychology.
These physicians have specialized training in sleep medicine and work closely with consultants in cardiology, psychiatry and pediatrics. The full resources of Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital are available for their use.
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| Sleep study bedroom. |
Can I Make My Own Appointment Or Do I Need a Physician Referral For Snoring or Sleep Apnea?
Patients can be either physician-referred or self-referred depending on their health insurance plan. Most patients referred to our center will see a sleep center physician to take a detailed sleep history, medical history and physical examination.
At the end of the evaluation, the physician may initiate treatment or recommend diagnostic testing.
A Sleep Study For Sleep Apnea and Snoring
The most commonly performed test to determine sleep apnea and snoring is the all-night polysomnogram - or sleep study. Patients arrive at the sleep center at their usual sleep time to spend the night in a private room with a television and VCR. While the patient sleeps, breathing patterns, sleep quality and other physiological parameters are monitored.
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| Electrodes applied during a sleep study. |
Registered polysomnographic technologists, registered respiratory therapists and registered nurses are present to assist patients and initiate treatments during the sleep study when indicated.
After appropriate testing is performed, the sleep center physician or nurse will discuss the test results and treatment options. Physicians will follow your progress with the treatment designed to treat your specific sleep disorder.