Comprehensive Sleep Studies in Cape Girardeau
The Sleep Disorders Center at Saint Francis Medical Center introduced comprehensive sleep studies to the southeast Missouri region. Staffed by technicians who are credentialed by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists, the Sleep Disorders Center in Cape Girardeau diagnoses and treats all common sleep disorders, including:
Sleep apnea, a common disorder experienced by approximately five percent of Americans, occurs when airways collapse and breathing stops for a short while during sleep.
Narcolepsy, a lifelong disorder involving the brain’s inability to regulate sleep and wakefulness, is most commonly diagnosed in the teen years and is thought to be hereditary and possibly environmentally affected. Symptoms of narcolepsy may include:
- Temporary lack of muscle control while excited
- Vivid dreams upon falling asleep/awaking
- Brief inability to move or talk upon waking
Periodic Limb Movement of Sleep
Periodic limb movement of sleep is characterized by involuntary muscle spasms in the legs that occur while asleep.
Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome is a deep creeping or crawling sensation in the legs that causes an urge to move them when awake.
State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Technologies
The skilled technicians at Saint Francis’ Sleep Disorders Center assess each patient through various measures, including:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): measures heart rhythm
- Electroencephalography (EEG): measures global neural activity
- Electromyography (EMG): measures muscle activity and limb movement
- Electrooculogram (EOG): measures eye movement
- Piezoelectric belt: measures respiratory effort
- Pulse oximetry: measures oxygen saturation
- Thermistor or pressure transducer: measures nasal and/or oral airflow
- i•Logic™ System by superDimension®
Following diagnosis and development of a treatment plan, the Sleep Disorders Center provides patients with educational and support services, such as one-on-one counseling sessions, AWAKE (Alert, Well and Keeping Energetic) support sessions, and the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) Follow-up Clinic for those sent home with breathing aids.
The Sleep Disorders Center was the first laboratory in the region to receive a Certificate of Accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Saint Francis earned accreditation for employing skilled and experienced sleep specialists, providing a comfortable sleep lab environment, and developing individualized treatment plans tailored to the unique diagnosis of each patient.
Cape Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine
In collaboration with the Sleep Disorders Center at Saint Francis Medical Center, Cape Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine provides specialty care to patients with problems related to breathing and sleeping. Highly skilled physicians work in conjunction with respiratory therapists and sleep technologists to offer comprehensive care, including:
- Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases, such as asthma, chronic cough, cystic fibrosis, and tuberculosis
- Respiratory therapy services
- Assessment and diagnosis of sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and nocturnal myoclonus
- Sleep studies in the southeast Missouri region’s only American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)-accredited lab
- General pulmonology, sleep medicine, and critical care medicine for patients and those receiving long-term acute care at Landmark Hospital
Call 573-331-5544 to learn more about the Sleep Disorders Center at Saint Francis, or to schedule an appointment.
Meet the Providers
- Pulmonary Medicine,
- Pulmonary Medicine,