For an estimated 30 million Americans, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and insomnia make what is meant to be a restful time extremely frustrating. The quality of your sleep directly affects the quality of your life.

There are effective treatments available for most sleep disorders, but the first step is recognizing that a problem exists. In order to better diagnose sleep disorders in our community, Portsmouth Regional Hospital established the Sleep Diagnostic Center.

Board Certified in Neurology and Sleep Medicine, Douglas Black, MD, works collaboratively with your primary care physician to effectively diagnose and treat your sleep disorder.

Common Indicators of Sleep Disorders

• Awaken gasping for breath
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Non-restorative sleep
• Restless legs or leg jerks
• Snoring

Your Sleep Study

Your sleep study is typically scheduled within two to three weeks. This important study will assist your physician in the diagnosis of your sleep disorder. You will be asked to arrive for 8pm or 9pm. The study is usually completed by 6am the next morning.

When arriving for your appointment you should enter through the main entrance and notify the receptionist that you are here for a sleep study.

During the study, gold plated sensors are applied to your scalp and skin to perform a polysomnogram–a computerized recording while you sleep. In some cases an oxygen mask is also used. Brain waves, eye movement, and muscle tone, which determine your sleep stages, are recorded as well as heart rate, sleep movements, and sounds.

Following your sleep study, an interpretation will be performed by a sleep physician. Sleep interpretation results are available through your referring physician.

Services Provided

Sleep Studies
Individuals are attached to a polysomnogram (computerized recording while you sleep). Typically conducted at night, but can also accommodate people who sleep during the day.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
Conducted during the day for patients with insomnia, narcolepsy, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)
Conducted during the day. Required by the FAA for pilots with sleep disorders and other people in the transportation industry.

Tips & Tools to Improve Your Sleep Habits

• Education about sleep disorders
• Top ten tips to become a good sleeper
• Challenges to getting a good night's sleep
• Relaxation Kit

Comfortable, Friendly and Safe

The Sleep Diagnostic Center at Portsmouth Regional Hospital offers state-of-the-art technology as well as a comfortable, friendly, and safe environment. You will have a private room and will be monitored from an adjacent control room. The rooms include special mattresses and pillows, a television, DVD player, and radio/CD player. In the morning, a full hot breakfast or continental breakfast is available.

Accessing Care

Sleep studies and consultations are covered by most insurance providers. Please contact your individual health plan for pre-certification and referral requirements.

Patient Resources

Sleepiness Scale: http://www.sleepeducation.com/SleepScale.aspx
Healthy Habits of Good Sleep: http://www.sleepeducation.com/Hygiene.aspx
Sleep Education and Forums: http://www.sleepeducation.com/index.aspx

A.W.A.K.E. Sleep Apnea Support Group Meeting:
Meetings held on a quarterly basis. For more information, call 603-334-2012.

For more information please call
Linda Carlsen, REEGT,RPSGT
Sleep/Neurophysiology Coordinator,
Portsmouth Regional Hospital
603-334-2012