If your sleep isn't satisfying, seeing a sleep specialist can benefit you. A sleep lab sleep study or at-home test can help diagnose your issues and lead to the best possible treatment to help you return to a better quality of life. Talk to your primary care provider or consider seeing a sleep specialist if you:
- Have trouble falling asleep or staying awake.
- Have been told you snore loudly.
- Walk, talk, moan, or grind your teeth during sleep.
- Have been told your legs twitch or kick at night.
- Lie awake at night feeling worried or anxious.
- Awaken suddenly gasping for breath.
- Feel extremely sleepy during the day.
- Have sudden attacks of physical weakness.
Sleep Conditions We Treat
Ongoing sleep problems can lead to more challenging health disorders including obesity, heart problems, diabetes, depression and more. A wide range of conditions can make getting good sleep difficult:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Narcolepsy
- Insomnia
- Restless legs syndrome
Sleep Studies
Your doctor may recommend a sleep study (polysomnogram) to determine what’s causing your sleep problems. Most insurance plans cover sleep studies; check with your plan provider to verify coverage.
- Sleep lab study: You'll spend your typical sleeping period, be it night or day, in a comfortable, private room at a sleep lab made to feel like home within an Avera facility. Sensors on your scalp, face, chest and limbs monitor brain waves, snoring, muscle activity, heart rate and breathing as you sleep. A video camera may record your movements.
- Home sleep apnea testing: If a doctor determines you likely have obstructive sleep apnea with no other significant medical conditions, you may take an at-home sleep apnea test, wearing equipment that records data about your breathing.
After receiving your results, your doctor will advise you on the next steps.
