If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, you’re not alone. The National Sleep Foundation reports that nearly 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder. Of those, about 40 million people have chronic problems that could put them at risk during the day because of lack of adequate rest.

“Sleep deprivation may make you feel drowsy during your waking hours, which can make you more accident-prone, detract from your job performance and interrupt your normal daily activities,” says Harshadkumar Patel, MD, Pulmonary Associates of Lancaster. “It can also contribute to heart problems and high blood pressure.”

Dr. Patel is the Medical Director of the Lancaster General Sleep Disorders Center, which recently expanded its services to include additional testing bedrooms at the Kissel Hill Health Center in Lititz. The number of people needing sleep consultations and testing has increased dramatically over the past three years. A few years ago, the center expanded from five to eight testing bedrooms at the original Lancaster General Hospital location. The satellite center on the second floor of the Kissel Hill Health Center adds another four testing bedrooms (with space for two more), bringing the total to 12, which should help keep up with demand.

“In general, patients and their doctors are becoming more aware of the negative effects of sleep disorders,” says Jim O’Connor, Director of Pulmonary Medicine at Lancaster General Hospital. He also notes that studies are showing a connection between sleep apnea and obesity and/or advanced age.

Although there are many types of sleep disorders, Dr. Patel estimates that nearly 80 percent of the center’s patients have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when a person’s breathing stops or becomes very shallow for periods of 10 seconds or more. Snoring and gasping for breath are other symptoms. Because of the disruptive sleep pattern, people with sleep apnea often feel sleepy during waking hours and less alert. Most of the time, they finally seek help because their spouses are inconvenienced by their loud snoring and gasping for breath, Dr. Patel explains.

While sleep apnea is the most frequently diagnosed sleep disorder, other common problems include insomnia, restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy. The causes for each disorder vary, but the Sleep Disorders Center offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for them all.

The first step to getting help is a consultation between you and the doctor so that the doctor has a complete understanding of your symptoms and concerns. One way to diagnose a sleep
disorder is through a sleep study (polysomnogram), which is normally done overnight. Electrodes monitor your brain wave activity, eye movements, chin muscle activity, breathing and leg muscle activity. A small temperature gauge measures air flow and an adhesive patch on your finger measures the blood oxygen level. 

Patients can chose which sleep lab they would prefer to go to for testing—Lancaster or Lititz. Both locations will be staffed by specially trained physicians, including Lee M. Duke, II, MD; Yaroslav Lando, MD; and Dr. Patel, as well as sleep technicians who have extensive training and experience in understanding sleep disorders. After the sleep study is complete, a center doctor will talk with you to answer any questions you may have. Lancaster General’s Sleep Disorders Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and is the only accredited sleep disorder center in the Lancaster area. 

 If you or someone you know might have a sleep disorder, consult with your family physician first. For a Lancaster General Sleep Disorders Center brochure, call 544-5910.

Rest Easier
Sleep seems like something that should come naturally. But sometimes it takes a little work. Here are some tips to help you rest easier:

1. Establish a sleep routine
   Go to bed and wake up at routine times—even when you’re not working.
2. Make your bedtime your sleep time
   If you can’t fall asleep, don’t just lie there. Get out of bed and read or watch television. Do not watch television in bed. Waiting to fall asleep may only make the situation worse.
3. Nap no more
   Although naps may help babies and children, they can disrupt your sleep pattern.
4. Make your bedroom a “quiet” room
   Avoid working or watching television in your bedroom. Make it a quiet, restful place.
5. Establish relaxing bedtime habits
   Start winding down before bedtime.
6. Avoid caffeine, alcohol or tobacco
   These substances can negatively affect your sleep quality and patterns.
7. Exercise regularly
   Working out regularly several hours before bedtime may help you get to sleep.
8. Eat healthy
   Avoid fats and sugars. Maintain a healthy body weight. A poor diet and obesity can hurt your sleep quality. It’s also best to avoid eating a large meal too close to bedtime.