Sleep Lab

OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group features two sleep labs staffed by registered respiratory therapists and nurses, all of whom have advanced training in breathing disorders. Studies are conducted six evenings per week.

For more information, please contact your primary care provider.

New Technology

OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group has invested in new equipment and technology for its sleep labs that allows for a wider array of testing and more efficient interpretation and scoring of results.

The new technology is compatible with most recent guidelines established by the American Association of Sleep Medicine (AASM) for scoring sleep apnea and associated events, according to Paul Capodilupo, manager of Respiratory Therapy Services at OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group. He added the technology also provides reports from oximetry studies that are consistent with Medicare guidelines for home oxygen use.

The greater advantages of the new technology, however, are behind the scenes, he noted.

"This state-of-the-art technology is much more powerful for handling required data. An entire night's video is recorded on the computer, from which we can more readily detect how well and when a patient is sleeping. There is increased resolution and a full eight minutes of data per screen. Previously we could see only four minutes of data per screen; that may seem like an insignificant difference to some, but to a therapist reading the study, it is a tremendous advantage."

At a cost of nearly $80,000, the new sleep lab equipment also features enhanced monitoring equipment and advanced therapies for treatment of sleep apnea, including new continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) technology. Results of a sleep study can also be recorded onto a CD or DVD if requested by a specialist.

Capodilupo said the Respiratory Therapy Department is also updating the way physicians can order studies. He noted under the new referral system, physicians will be able to make automatic referrals to home care based on a sleep study. He noted primary care physician can continue to make referrals directly to the lab without the need for patients to see another specialist, with appointments generally scheduled within two weeks.

"We are very happy with this new technology and the capabilities it allows for enhanced patient care and more efficient scoring of results," said Capodilupo. "As is frequently the case with technology, patients may not see all of its advantages, but they will benefit greatly."

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, affecting more than 12 millions of Americans, according to the National Institute of Health. While it can occur at any age, it is most common in older adults, with an estimated 1 in 10 people over age 65 affected.

People with sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. Normal breathing typically returns with a loud snort or choking sound. Many people who have sleep apnea do not know it because it only occurs during sleep. A spouse is often the first to notice the signs. .

The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. Left untreated it can lead to serious health concerns, including high blood pressure, heart disease and heart attack, stroke, obesity, diabetes, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, headaches, excessive sleepiness and inability to concentrate. It also increases the chance of having a work-related injury or driving accident.

Fortunately, treatment options exist for people with sleep apnea. Lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, surgery, and/or breathing devices can successfully treat sleep apnea in many people. A simple sleep study is often the first step. If you believe you may have sleep apnea, talk to you doctor or primary care provider. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale may help determine your likelihood of falling asleep or dozing off in certain situations.

For a downloadable copy of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, please click here.