New Sleep Diagnostics Clinic Now Open at Mercy Hospital Grayling
New two-bed unit replaces a mobile unit, creating an accessible, hotel-like atmosphere to test those who are chronically sleep-deprived (and might not even know it.)
A new sleep diagnostics clinic opened to help hundreds of area residents overcome the profound – but often misdiagnosed – problems associated with sleep disorders (see "Do You Have a Sleep Disorder?" sidebar below.)
"Chronic poor sleep patterns have a profound effect on the body, especially when sufferers stop breathing up to 30 times an hour during sleep," said internal medicine specialist Ferdinand Korneli, DO, who sees patients at Mercy Family Care Grayling. "I've had patients who couldn't drive more than 25 miles without pulling over and taking a nap, and a few of my patients have even been in accidents because they've fallen asleep."
Sleep problems don't just cause fatigue during the day – they are known to contribute to hypertension, heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, or even sudden cardiac death, Korneli said.
"It's hard to measure the impact on stroke and heart attack, but we know there is one," Korneli said. "The biggest benefit to being properly diagnosed and treated is a higher quality of life."
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Do You Have a Sleep Disorder?
Think your sleep is good enough? If the answer is “yes” to any of the following, call 1-866-875-3379 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Moen.
Regarding your rest habits, would you or your partner/spouse say that:
- You are a restless sleeper?
- Your legs kick or jerk at night?
- You snore loudly or heavily most of the night?
- You pause or gasp in your breathing?
- You wake up with dry mouth or a headache?
- You wake up still tired?
- You fall asleep unintentionally during the day?
- Your work or social life is interfered by your energy level being low?
- You fall asleep when you don’t intend to, such as while driving, working at a computer, or watching television or a movie?
- You usually take a nap?
- You sleep more than eight hours during a 24-hour period?
- You have problems with short-term memory, focus, or concentration?
- You feel tense, irritable, or depressed because of sleep loss?
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The new two-bed clinic includes the latest in sleep diagnostic technology and replaces an older, mobile unit with stairs that some patients had difficulty ascending, especially in winter, said Gary Rapelje, RRT, MBA and Assistant Director of Respiratory Care and Sleep Lab for Mercy Hospital Grayling.
"It's going to be such a benefit to our patients," said Rapelje, who began working on the project 18 months ago. "The new rooms are very comfortable and resemble a nice hotel room."
Dr. Margaret Moen, who has more than 20 years experience-treating sleep disorders and is board certified by the Academy of Sleep Medicine, will run the clinic along with Donna Nelson FNP, a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
Dr. Moen said that while the former diagnostics lab was adequate, the new facility will help ensure full access by all while helping patients find relief from potentially life threatening disorders.
"Anyone can become a good sleeper again," she said. "We treat all the sleep disorders and we counsel our patients on any lifestyle changes that may be of benefit."
Some common primary sleep disorders are sleep apnea, insomnia, circadian rhythm disruption, and narcolepsy. Risks associated with sleep apnea include heart disease, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, stroke, diabetes, and fatigue-related motor vehicle accidents.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Moen, please call toll-free 1-866-875-3379. For more information, visit www.michigansleepspecialist.com.
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