Welcome Sleep problems and daytime sleepiness can cause or make serious health problems worse. Sleep apnea, snoring, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome are just some of the 95 identified sleep disorders from which patients suffer. Through comprehensive testing at the Mary Washington Hospital Sleep and WakeDisordersCenter, we can determine the cause and help create a course of treatment for patients’ sleep and wake disorders.
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Frequent sleep problems and daytime sleepiness that interfere with work and other activities affect a majority of Americans. Problems such as obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder are some of the 95 identified sleep disorders.
Our board certified sleep specialists and expert staff The Mary Washington Hospital Sleep and WakeDisordersCenter is fortunate to have two physicians who are board certified in sleep medicine, our Medical Director, Dr. Phil Fuller and Dr. Maha Alattar. Our staff is comprised of Registered Polysomnography Technicians (RPSGTs) and trained, experienced sleep technicians.
We are accredited The MaryWashingtonHospital has received program accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The AASM is a professional organization dedicated to assuring quality care for patients with sleep disorders, promoting the advancement of sleep research, and providing public and professional education. An accredited sleep disorders program is a significant resource to the local medical community and public. Accreditation by the AASM assures quality patient care through comprehensive clinical evaluation and treatment.
AASM accreditation is the gold standard by which other organizations and companies evaluate sleep programs. This is reflected by the fact that in many states insurance companies require sleep studies to be conducted only at an AASM accredited facility.
To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional quality health as designated by the Academy. This process involves a detailed inspection of a center's facility and staff including employing skilled and qualified staff, creating and maintaining a clean and comfortable environment, developing and maintaining a quality assurance plan, and adhering to evidence-based practice parameters. Additionally, the facility's goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.
Why shouldn’t I choose any sleep laboratory? Any physician can open and own a sleep lab, whether or not they have training in sleep medicine and without certification by an accrediting body. Some physicians who claim to be sleep specialists may have no formal fellowship training in sleep medicine, or training which occurred during a short several day course. While some non- accredited laboratories provided excellent service, we believe that patients deserve a board certified sleep medicine physician and an AASM accredited sleep lab.
What we offer The Mary Washington Hospital Sleep and Wake Disorders Center offers evaluations that are conducted through various overnight and specialized daytime sleep studies. Studies are conducted in a comfortable, home-like environment. Rooms have been designed to be like a hotel, and are equipped with a full-size bed, flat screen TV with DVD player, and individual bathroom.
Sleep studies are available for children and adults. We do ask that an adult remain with any patient who is a minor throughout the study.
The Sleep and WakeDisordersCenter offers the following diagnostic testing:
Polysomnogram (PSG)
CPAP/BIPAP Titrations
Split Night Sleep Study (PSG/CPAP)
Multiple Sleep Latency Testing (MSLT) with Polysomnogram
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test
O2 Titration Study
If you think you have a sleep problem We encourage you to make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms. You may then be referred for a sleep study.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? (OSA)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is very common. 26% of adults are at high risk to develop OSA. 6-9% of men and 2-6% of women already have OSA while most have not been diagnosed.
Many children have OSA because of large tonsils or obesity.
A major risk factor is obesity but not all people who have OSA are overweight.
The most common symptoms are loud snoring, stopping breathing during sleep, daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
Other symptoms include: restless sleep, snorting and gasping during sleep, not feeling refreshed upon awakening and morning headaches.
OSA is known to be a cause of or associated with:
High blood pressure
Congestive heart failure
Heart arrhythmias
Stroke
Diabetes
Auto accidents (2nd leading cause)
Impaired concentration and memory
Unexplained death during sleep
In children, OSA is a cause of poor daytime performance at home and school. Children felt to have learning disabilities should be evaluated for sleep apnea. Tonsillectomy is usually curative when tonsils are enlarged.
Alcohol and sedatives worsen OSA.
Diagnosis is established by a sleep study (polysomnogram) done in a sleep lab such as the Mary Washington Hospital Sleep and WakeDisordersCenter.
Treatment measures include weight loss and avoidance of alcohol and sedatives before sleep. Specific treatment is with CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). CPAP has been shown to reverse symptoms and reduce the associated medical problems. Dental devices may help if CPAP is not tolerated.
Do you have sleep apnea?
Do you snore loudly?
Has anyone observed you stopping breathing in your sleep?
Do you feel sleepiness or fatigue frequently during the day?
Do you have, or are you being treated for high blood pressure?
If you answered yes to 2 or more of these questions, you have a high risk for having obstructed sleep apnea.
We offer 2 sleep lab locations Depending on capacity and the sleep study required, you will be scheduled to arrive at one of our two facilities:
Register in advance To schedule your sleep study, call 540.741.2000 and select option 2. You will be provided with preparation instructions either by your physician or by a representative from the Patient Access office.
AASM accreditation is the gold standard by which other organizations and companies evaluate sleep programs. This is reflected by the fact that in many states insurance companies require sleep studies to be conducted only at an AASM accredited facility.