If you've noticed that you're often sleepy during the day, have morning headaches, snore heavily or experience breathing irregularities during sleep, these may be signs of a sleep disorder. Most sleep disorders can be effectively treated once they have been accurately diagnosed. MeritCare Sleep Disorders Center offers treatments for a variety of sleep disorders.
MeritCare Sleep Disorders Center
MeritCare Sleep Disorders Center is North Dakota's first comprehensive medical facility for diagnosing and treating sleep-related disorders. The Center was established in 1982. The first all-night sleep study was conducted in 1984.
Assessments at the MeritCare Sleep Disorders Center are conducted by professionals experienced in sleep-related disorders and sleep-exacerbated disease. Specialty consultants with certification in ENT, neurology, pediatrics, pulmonary medicine, psychiatry and psychology are always available.
Sleep-Related Disorders
A variety of sleep-related disorders are treated at MeritCare Sleep Disorders Center. These include difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep or remaining awake. Symptoms of sleep disorders are daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, heavy snoring and breathing irregularities during sleep.
Treatment and Management
The medical staff reviews each case in detail and arrives at an optimal plan for further evaluation and/or management of the patient. Individualized management can greatly improve sleep-wake functions.
The referring physician will receive a full account of the patient's diagnosis and the recommended plan of management as soon as they are determined.
Typical Recording Period
Most patients, whether hospitalized or outpatients, are recorded during their normal bedtime to simulate an average sleep period as closely as possible. Upon arriving at the Sleep Disorders Center, patients are greeted by the polysomnographic technologist. Patient questions related to the nature of the test are answered, a brief pre-sleep survey is completed and recording electrodes are applied.
The patient then retires in an individual soundproof and climate-controlled bedroom. The polysomnographic technologist monitors the patient's sleep in the Control Room; the technologist is continuously available should a patient require assistance.
Upon completion of the overnight recordings, electrodes are removed and a brief post-sleep survey is completed. Patients usually are ready to leave the Sleep Disorders Center around 9 a.m. On occasion, further tests are run the following day.
Scheduling
Upon making an appointment with the sleep doctor, a survey is sent out to each patient and the bed partner to complete. These surveys should be returned to the doctor's office at the time the appointment.
Patients can arrange an appointment by calling (701) 280-4600 or 1-800-437-4010 (ask for the Sleep Center), Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. All patients are required to meet with their primary doctor to receive a referral to the Sleep Disorders Center.
Health Library
Learn more about the causes and treatments for sleep problems in the health library.