Community Sleep Center
Community Sleep Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).
Is it getting difficult to get out of bed in the morning? When you wake up, do you feel moody or tense? Do you often feel tired during the day? If you are having trouble sleeping or feel sleepy much of the time, you may have a sleep disorder. There are treatments for most sleep ailments, but the first step is recognizing a problem exists.
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Archana Rao, M.D.
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Archana Rao, M.D., a board-certified neurologist with a fellowship in sleep medicine, is the medical director at the Community Sleep Center. Dr. Rao is an experienced neurologist who understands sleep disorders and is trained in medicine's most advanced techniques and technology. From treatment of sleep apnea to insomnia, the Sleep Center offers private rooms in a bed and breakfast atmosphere for both daytime and night time stays. Our sleep expert team will make your stay as comfortable as possible. Our newly completed Sleep Center boasts a contemporary look and convenient front door parking access. We also offer a 26" flat panel TV mounted in each room, queen-sized beds and a complimentary light breakfast in the morning.
Community Sleep Center provides treatment for various disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, narcolepsy, restless leg/periodic limb movement disorder, sleepwalking, night terrors, sleep violence, sleep eating, and gastroesophageal reflux for patients ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics. The Sleep Center includes quality equipment and monitoring by qualified sleep experts.
A Widespread Problem
Sleep disorders affect millions of adults, making it difficult for them to get a good night’s rest. Ideally, most people need 6-9 hours of sleep each night, but chances are, that doesn’t happen every night. Sleep disorders can be triggered by one of the following reasons:
- Sleep apnea – when a person stops breathing repeatedly when sleeping. This occurs when structures completely block the throat, called apnea. Since the lungs aren’t getting fresh air, the brain tells the body to wake up just enough to tighten the muscles and unblock the air passage. With a loud gasp, breathing begins again. Other symptoms, besides gasping, include snoring, pauses in breathing and jerking movements. Even though people with sleep apnea won’t remember waking up often during the night, they will feel tired and groggy all day.
- Snoring – When throat structures are too large or the muscles relax too much during sleep, the air passage may be partially blocked. Air from the nose and mouth must pass around the blockage, thus creating a vibrating or rattling sound, often loud enough to wake others!
- Insomnia – is trouble falling or staying asleep. If it usually takes you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep or if you are up in the middle of the night longer than 30 minutes, you may have insomnia. Insomnia is most common in women and people over 60 years old, but can affect anyone at one time or another.
Sleep Studies Can Help
If you feel you have a sleep disorder, or have a general sleeping problem, contact your primary care provider. If he/she has ordered a sleep study, call San Angelo Community Medical Center's central scheduling department at (325) 947-6020 to schedule a time for your study. Have your primary care provider fax an order with the diagnosis to (325) 947-6608. If you need a sleep specialist, call Dr. Archana Rao at (325) 224-5191.
Once you have scheduled your sleep study, please call at least 48 hours in advance to get pre-registered. You must be pre-registered before your sleep study can begin. Your initial visit, with a sleep specialist, will document a detailed sleep history. A health history is important in diagnosis. You may want to document your sleeping patterns 1-2 weeks in advance of your appointment to give as much information to the specialist as possible. For more information regarding a sleep study, call (325) 94-SNORE (947-6673).
Testing
A sleep study requires an overnight stay in our new, contemporary and comfortable Sleep Center. During setup, which takes about an hour, sleep technicians apply electrodes to record sleep stages, eye movements, heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, leg movements and snoring. By monitoring the electrodes, the physician can determine if a sleep disorder is present. If sleep apnea is identified within the first two to three hours of the study, appropriate treatment will be initiated.
Preparation
Your test will be scheduled for approximately 1 hour before your usual bedtime. Arrive 15 minutes ahead of schedule to register, and bring your medication and anything else you need to feel comfortable and ready to sleep. Leave the “rest” to us!
Treatment
Different treatment options exist. The right one for you depends upon the presence and severity of sleep apnea as well as other aspects of the disorder.
Some sleep disorders can be treated with medications or improved sleep habits. The most common form of treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP – continuous positive airway pressure, in which air is administered through a mask. This air works as a splint to keep the upper airway open during sleep.
Other treatments, including oral appliances, surgery and medication, are also available. Ask your physician to discuss the benefits of each type of treatment.
Follow Up
Three weeks to one month after the test, you and your physician will meet to discuss results and possible treatment options. Community Sleep Center uses a holistic approach when addressing sleep issues. Once you've taken your sleep study, you'll have access to a specialized exercise program at the Community Health Club and a dietician to discuss eating behavior.
A.W.A.K.E.
A.W.A.K.E. (Alert, Well and Keeping Energetic) is a national health awareness group for patients with sleep apnea. The group provides education and peer support for patients and their families. For more information, call or write:
The American Sleep Apnea Association
2025 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 905
Washington, D.C. 20006
1-202-293-3650
Location & Contact Info
Community Sleep Center
CMA Two: 2141 Hamilton Way
San Angelo, TX 76904
(325) 94-SNORE
(325) 947-6673
Rest Easy
You can increase the chances of getting a better night’s sleep by taking certain precautions before bed.
- Good sleep habits
The best sleep can result from going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Your body will develop a pattern for better sleep. In addition, avoid exercise 4 to 6 hours before going to bed so your body has time to unwind.
- Watch what you eat
You don’t want to overeat before you go to bed, but you don’t want to go to bed hungry either. Try eating a light snack before bedtime.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine or smoking
Many people believe a “nightcap” will help them sleep, but actually it has the reverse effect of causing you to toss and turn all night. Similarly, any foods with caffeine can keep you from sleeping, and should be avoided at least 6 hours before bedtime.
- Check your environment
Sleep starts with a comfortable room and bed. Make sure your room is quiet, with no distractions, a comfortable temperature, and appropriate light blocking shades or drapes.
- Be honest with yourself
Don’t take your worries to bed with you, instead write down your concerns or create a “to do” list of things you need to accomplish. If your anxiety persists, ask your doctor if he/she recommends visiting a counselor or psychiatrist for further evaluation.
Adopting these simple good habits may help you rest easier, starting tonight!