St. Alexius Sleep Center Accredited
Posted on 2/28/2006
An estimated 40 million Americans suffer from a sleeping disorder, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. There are 84 different sleeping and waking disorders but some of the most common are:
- sleep apnea
- restless leg syndrom
- insomnia
- narcolepsy
- parasomnias
The St. Alexius Sleep Center was recently granted accreditation through the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). An accreditation by the AASM assures quality patient care through clinical evaluation and treatment. The St. Alexius Sleep Center is the first accredited center in the region, and only the second accredited center in North Dakota.
The Sleep Center at St. Alexius Medical Center is a warm and relaxing place, consisting of six “suites.” These soundproof “suites” are furnished with a queen size bed, and with comfortable bedding, to ensure an environment most similar to the patient’s bedrooms. The two board-certified physicians, and respiratory therapists perform a number of tests on the patient to determine what sleeping disorder they have, and appropriate treatment to take. The tests measure brain function, breathing, oxygen levels, heartbeat and limb movements during sleep.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is a highly recognized program, with very strict guidelines to meet. The St. Alexius Sleep Center spent approximately four years meeting these guidelines consisting of employing skilled and qualified staff, creating a clean and comfortable environment, developing a quality assurance plan, and adhering to evidence-based practice parameters.
National Sleep Awareness week is March 27-April 2, 2006. This year the National Sleep Foundation will look at the sleeping habits of adolescents (11-17 year olds).