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Sleep Disorders Lab Our bodies require adequate sleep in order to function, learn and remain alert. And when you're not sleeping right, you suffer both physically and emotionally. Pekin Hospital's Sleep Disorders Lab can help. Our lab is staffed by highly trained and experienced sleep professionals to diagnose and treat sleep disorders... and our highest priority is helping you get back to a good night's sleep.
The Sleep Disorders Lab is contracted through Dr. Bernard Taylor's office. For more information, please contact his office at (309) 692-0422.
Who is the lab's medical director?
Bernard Taylor, M.D., F.C.C.P., diplomat, American Board of Sleep Medicine, is the Sleep Disorders Lab's medical director. Dr. Taylor is a licensed independent practitioner.
I think I might have a sleep disorder... what should I do?
Having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or staying alert during the day are all signs of a sleep disorder. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder, visit your primary care physician, explain your situation and request a referral to Pekin Hospital's Sleep Disorders Lab.
What different kinds of sleep disorders exist?
There are several different types of sleep disorders. Each may involve one or more of these basic symptoms:
Insomnia sufferers may have difficulty falling asleep or awakening frequently. They may awaken early in the morning and have trouble getting back to sleep. Many conditions can cause or aggravate insomnia, including pain, stress, chronic disease or breathing problems. In addition, misuse or overuse of sleep medications may cause or worsen insomnia.
Narcolepsy is characterized by extreme sleepiness during the day. People with narcolepsy may fall asleep unpredictably, or they may suffer attacks of muscle weakness brought on by laughter, joy, anger or other intense emotions. Narcoleptics sometimes experience frightening dreams or hallucinations as they are falling asleep.
Sleep Apnea is a condition involving breathing patterns during sleep and can be very serious. People with sleep apnea stop breathing periodically while they are asleep, sometimes hundreds of times in a single night. These individuals tend to snore and snort loudly during sleep and may be sleepy during the day. Sleep apnea is the most common cause of daytime sleepiness.
Periodic Movements in Sleep (nocturnal myoclonus) and Restless Legs Syndrome are related to abnormal movements or sensations prior to or during sleep. Periodic movements are repetitive leg jerks that occur when the body is at rest or asleep. Sufferers of restless leg syndrome experience severe, uncomfortable sensations in their legs at night, preventing them from falling asleep. Individuals also may complain of insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness.
In addition to these disorders, there are a number of other problems that can occur during sleep, including recurrent nightmares, night terrors, sleep walking, bruxism (teeth grinding), head banging and seizures. Individuals may not be aware of these problems until others have observed them.
What is a sleep test?
A sleep test (polysomnogram) is a recording that measures different sleep stages and helps our sleep professionals to classify various sleep problems.
How should I prepare for my sleep test?
On the day of your sleep test, you should avoid caffeine, sugar, and you should not take any naps. Prior to your test, you will receive a letter explaining instructions in further detail. A phone number will also be provided on this letter if you have additional questions.
What should I bring to sleep in?
Bring whatever is comfortable. Many patients sleep in shorts and a t-shirt or pajamas.
What should I expect for my sleep test?
In most situations, you will pre-register via telephone before the day of your sleep test. Having pre-registered, you can simply report to ER1 for your sleep test. A sleep technician will be called to greet you and will guide you back to the lab.
At the lab, the technician will explain the testing procedures. You will then be given time to change into bed clothing and to relax before the study begins. Your room is equipped with a TV for your enjoyment before "lights out" time.
While you are sleeping, measurements of important body functions are recorded and scanned by computer. The sleep technician will monitor your sleep through the night from a nearby room so as not to disturb you.
In the morning, you will wake up and can go home or to work directly from the hospital. We have rest rooms with showers and changing areas at the lab.
What if I need to use the restroom in the middle of the night?
No problem. Our sleep technician will remove the monitoring equipment, and you can use the private bathroom attached to your room.
How will I get the results of my sleep test?
Sleep technicians are not qualified to review test results with you. Our staff will prepare a report for your physician, who will discuss the results with you.
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