How the Center for Sleep Disorders can help patients get the rest they need.
About one-third of adults say they’re not getting enough sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s unfortunate, because sleep deprivation can lead to motor vehicle accidents, mistakes at work and health problems. The good news is, there are effective treatments for sleep disorders. Darshana P. Amin, DO, a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine physician at the Center for Sleep Disorders at Community Medical Center, explains how patients are evaluated and treated.
Why is sleep so important for health?
It keeps the heart, immune system and blood sugar levels healthy. It also helps to prevent unhealthy weight gain (sleep deprivation can cause levels of hunger hormones to rise). Sleep is restorative: Research shows that the brain consolidates the information you learn during the day and stores it so you can recall it. This is why some people with sleep disorders experience memory problems or confusion during the day.
What is an accredited sleep center?
It must meet certain quality standards. For instance, centers that are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine must have a board certified sleep medicine physician on staff.
Who should consider making an appointment?
Anyone who is having trouble falling asleep, is waking up frequently during the night or is not getting restful sleep (due to snoring, perhaps) should see a board-certified sleep physician. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder.
How can the Center for Sleep Disorders help patients?
It’s a comprehensive and accredited sleep center. The Center is accredited by the Joint Commission—a nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs—and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. A patient can be evaluated by a physician and have a physical examination, sleep testing (if necessary) and follow-up visits. Our staff members are trained to assist patients with technology that allows them to sleep better. For instance, they help patients with obstructive sleep apnea acclimate to their continuous positive airway pressure machines, which keep the airways open. Providing these services in one location is convenient.
What makes the Center unique?
We perform a few different types of sleep studies, including in-home sleep testing. At the Center, we conduct an overnight sleep study called a polysomnogram, in which small electrodes are placed on the scalp, face and legs to monitor your body while you’re resting. We also perform daytime testing, which can be used to diagnose conditions such as narcolepsy, in which a person is prone to falling asleep at any time of the day.
To learn more about sleep disorders or schedule a consultation, call 732.557.2798 or visit www.rwjbh.org/cmcsleep.