Wheeling Hospital has a state-of-the-art Sleep Laboratory that provides a wide range of testing for those who may be suffering from sleep disorders. The lab, part of the hospital’s Respiratory Care Services and accredited by the Joint Commission, provides clinical diagnostic evaluations and treatment.
Evaluations at the Sleep Lab can distinguish between neurological disorders and breathing-related disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is marked by excessive snoring and experienced by 18 million people. Left untreated, OSA can cause vehicle and workplace accidents, worsening mood and memory, stroke, heart attack and even death. It occurs when the airway collapses during sleep and blocks the flow of oxygen to the brain. The brain senses a lack of oxygen and wakes the body up just long enough to take a breath, then falls back asleep. This cycle repeats throughout the night and causes poor, disruptive sleep.
Additionally, excessive daytime sleepiness can be evaluated with multiple sleep latency testing. The center also provides maintenance of wakefulness testing for public transportation equipment operators.
Evaluations
Patients having sleep evaluation testing report to the Sleep Lab during the early evening and leave shortly after 6 a.m. the following day. Those who must report to their jobs earlier can have their arrival times adjusted.
While the patient is asleep, a tremendous amount of data is collected for evaluation, including how long the patient remains in each stage of sleep, the amount and level of snoring, body movements and other indicators of sleep quality and adequate breathing.
After the evaluation, patients make appointments with their own physicians or a sleep specialist to discuss the test results and any necessary additional testing and treatment options.
Sleep disorders in themselves can seriously disrupt a person’s life, and studies continue to show how lack of sleep can lead to other serious medical problems.
Inspire
Wheeling Hospital’s Center for Sleep Medicine, led by Sleep Medicine specialists, perform diagnostic evaluations for patients who may be candidates for Inspire. Inspire is the latest treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea patients who are unable to use or get benefit from CPAP.
Inspire therapy works inside the body with a patient’s natural breathing process to treat sleep apnea. Mild stimulation keeps the airway open during sleep, allowing oxygen to flow naturally.
The system consists of a stimulation lead and a breathing sensor, powered by a small battery. The system is placed under the skin of the neck and chest through three small incisions during an outpatient procedure. The patient uses a small handheld remote to turn Inspire on before bed and off when they wake up. Eliminated is the need for a mask or hose.
The outpatient procedure is performed locally by ENT specialists. To determine if a patient is a candidate for Inspire, an evaluation in the sleep lab is necessary.
Appointments
Patients must schedule appointments through their physicians, who may call the Sleep Lab at 304-243-3720.
NOTE: As an approved provider in the Sleep Management Solutions Network, Wheeling Hospital’s Sleep Center also provides testing for members of the West Virginia PEIA.
Location
The Center for Sleep Medicine
980 National Road
Wheeling, WV 26003