The New Sleep Center at Bryn Mawr Hospital Opens to Diagnose and Treat Common Sleep Disorders

(BRYN MAWR, PA; August, 2007) -- Difficulty falling or staying asleep is a common problem. In fact more than 70 million Americans - one in three - have a sleep disorder. Trouble sleeping, or staying awake, can exacerbate other health issues as well as negatively impact concentration, productivity and mood.

The Sleep Center at Bryn Mawr Hospital has opened at 101 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue, in the Founder's Bank Building (across the street from the main hospital), to help identify and address sleep problems, including sleep apnea, snoring, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness/fatigue, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy and circadian rhythm disorder.

"People often take sleep for granted but getting a good night's sleep is an essential part of life," says Helena Schotland, MD, Co-Medical Director, Bryn Mawr Hospital's Sleep Medicine Services. "Of course it's not unusual to have an occasional bout of insomnia meaning one or two nights, but when a sleep problem becomes a chronic issue it can affect an individual's quality of life, well-being, and safety."

The new and expanded Sleep Center was designed to create a more home-like environment while meeting the high accreditation standards set by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Among the new features are four large bedrooms with windows for natural light, televisions, individual climate controls and more comfortable beds and linens. One of the rooms is handicapped accessible to accommodate individuals with special needs. The Sleep Center has also taken a novel approach to creating a more sleep-friendly environment by naming and accenting each room after European cities-London, Madrid, Paris, and Rome.

At the Sleep Center, treatment often begins with a consultation with a sleep specialist. If recommended, a sleep study is scheduled to accommodate a patient's normal sleeping time. During a sleep study, a team of specially trained clinicians will monitor patients during their normal sleeping period for breathing patterns, heart activity, blood oxygen levels and body movements. Based on the results of the study, sleep medicine physicians can diagnosis a problem and work closely with the patient and their referring physician to provide expert treatment and follow-up care.

"Sleep disorders are treatable," said Clarke Piatt, MD, Co-Medical Director, Bryn Mawr Hospital's Sleep Medicine Services. "If a sleep problem is disturbing you, your spouse, or another family member, and if it has persisted for more than a month, it's time to get help."

Due to the growing demand for sleep medicine services, the Sleep Center will expand its comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic services to the new Bryn Mawr Hospital Health Center, which opens in June at 3855 West Chester Pike on the Ellis Preserve in Newtown Square. "These six additional beds at the new Health Center will make our program more accessible to the patients we serve in Delaware County," said Crissi Sadler, RRT, Manager, Respiratory Care and Sleep Medicine Services.

For more information about Bryn Mawr Hospital's Sleep Medicine Services or to make an appointment for a physician consultation, call (610) 526-3300 or visit Sleep Medicine Services at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Media Contact:
Frieda Schmidt
schmidtf@mlhs.org
610-645-3311

Published:8-27-2007