Diagnostic Sleep Center

Welcome to the first step in getting better sleep. The Southwest Memorial Hospital Diagnostic Sleep Center offers a full line of adult services to diagnose and treat more than 150 different sleep disorders. The center is staffed by Medical Director April Randle, MD, Board Certified Internal Medicine specialist and a team of Board Certified Polysmnographic Technologists.   

Problems such as snoring, insomnia and daytime sleepiness may mean that you, like 20 million other Americans, have a sleep disorder. Until recently, sleep problems were either considered psychological in origin or were ignored. The medical community has begun to put a great deal of emphasis on sleep quality due to the direct link between sleep disorders and health problems such as heart disease, adult onset diabetes, stroke, ADD in children, and depression.  

If sleep problems are causing you to have health problems, making you irritable or depressed, or have affected your concentration, see your doctor to determine if sleep testing can provide answers and solutions.

Sleep studies at our lab monitor all activities that occur during the night in a relaxing, homelike environment. A sleep technologist attaches small metal discs called electrodes to the head and skin with an adhesive, plus other simple probes to measure breathing, heart rate and the blood’s oxygen level. The technical equipment and technologist are in a nearby room monitoring all activities.

If therapy is prescribed, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a highly effective treatment for sleep apnea. Using a mask worn over the nose during sleep, the patient receives gentle pressure from an air compressor that forces air through nasal passages and into the airway. This holds the airway open and allows the person to sleep and breathe normally. Another option is surgery which may correct physical abnormalities that compromise breathing during sleep or an oral dental appliance may be fitted for mild to moderate sleep apnea. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How would I know if I have a sleep problem?
Significant sleep disorders presently affect approximately 25 percent of the general population. Adults should feel refreshed and ready to face the day after 7.5 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. If you often feel unable to perform throughout the day, this is an indicator of a possible night time problem.  

How are sleep disorders diagnosed?
The starting point is a good sleep history obtained by talking with your physician. Doctors in the Montezuma County area are familiar with sleep disorders and can order a study for you if necessary. The most common sleep disorders are diagnosed by having a sleep study done in a controlled environment which is a bedroom-like setting at the hospital. Patients are monitored throughout their normal sleep period, whether that is at night or even during the day for individuals who perhaps routinely work a night shift.   

Will my insurance cover a sleep study?
Most insurance companies cover sleep studies and consider them and a valuable diagnostic tool to aid in managing overall health. The majority of insurance companies do not require prior authorization, however, to be sure we will verify your coverage if you need to have a sleep study at our center.  

How can I schedule a sleep study?
Your primary care physician can order a study for you. Speak with your doctor if you feel you need this service and all of the arrangements will be taken care of.