Sleep seems like such a simple, basic thing. But it only takes a few sleepless nights (and the horrible exhaustion throughout the following day) to remind us how important sleep is. Getting a good night’s sleep is what the Harney District Hospital (HDH) Sleep Lab is all about.

The Lab opened to a waiting list of 30 patients...all struggling with difficulties like sleepwalking, possible seizures, apnea, enlarged tonsils, restless leg syndrome and other health concerns which interfered with their rest.

“Most sleep issues are treatable,” notes Ron Wulff, Sleep Lab Supervisor. “Once patients have their sleep issues addressed and get some ‘real’ rest, their entire outlook on life really changes.”

A sleep study monitors a patient’s quality of sleep. High-Tech equipment evaluates brain waves, heart rates, eye movements, breathing patterns and blood oxygen levels with electrodes which relay the information to HDH Polysomnographers (Sleep Technicians) Mitchell Keith and Heather Peasley. Body movements are also continuously monitored using video equipment, minimizing the need for sleep techs to enter the room.

Sleep apnea is a common health issue where breathing stops or becomes very shallow. This can occur up to 30 times each hour for periods of 5 seconds or more and leads to interrupted sleep throughout the night. During a Continues Postive Air Pressure (CPAP) evaluation, HDH polysomnographers attempt to find an appropriate air pressure level which allows the patient to get a good night’s sleep. CPAP is a common treatment for sleep apnea. Patients wear a mask while an attached machine sustains a certain pressure or flow of air to keep the airway from collapsing while they sleep.

The Harney District Hospital (HDH) Sleep Lab is a homey area in the Racine Building with a comfortable bed, large flat-screen television and small kitchen. In addition, a control room houses all the state-of-the-art technology necessary to evaluate a patient’s sleep.

When asked if it is difficult for patients to sleep in the lab, due to nervousness or simply not being in their own home, Peasley sets the record straight.

“Usually the patients who are most anxious about it fall asleep right away,” she explains.

“I’ve had patients who fell asleep before I even left the room,” agrees Keith.

Keith and Peasley however have no problems staying awake. Throughout the night they are busy monitoring study results and ensuring the equipment is working properly. In addition, they document the length of apneas and other study information. This data is added to the digital report and sent on to a Board Certified Sleep Physician for their evaluation.

Talk to your healthcare provider for more information about ‘real’ rest and a sleep study.