Sleep Medicine in Tuscaloosa
Diagnosing Sleep Disorders to Improve Patients’ Quality of Life
Sleep problems affect every aspect of an individual's life. In addition to chronic fatigue, sleepiness and restless nights, sleep problems can lead to high blood pressure, cardiac risks, and many other health problems. Our physicians and staff take great pride in delivering the best experience in sleep disorders testing and therapies.
Sleep Specialists and Polysomnographers are board certified medical professionals credentialed by either the American Board of Sleep Medicine and the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists, respectively. The technologists (techs) administer diagnostic and therapeutic testing procedures in adolescent and adult patients ages 13 and up, who have or are suspected of having one or more sleep disorders.
Our technicians provide patient education on therapeutic breathing devices, sleep hygiene and help our patients understand their course of testing and treatment.
You could have a sleep disorder if you:
- Snore
- Daytime fatigue
- Always feel sleepy
- Feel drowsy in the morning
- Stop breathing or gasp for air during sleep
- Frequently have sore throats and dry mouth upon waking
In addition, these health issues increase the risk for sleep apnea:
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Type II diabetes
- Obesity
- Lung disease
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Cardiovascular Disease
How Do Get a Diagnosis for my Sleep Disorder?
To find out if you have sleep apnea or another type of sleep disorder, you will need to speak with a physician specialized in sleep disorders. If you think you may have a sleep disorder, inform your physician. Your physician can then determine if a referral to a sleep specialist is necessary. The sleep specialist may refer you for a sleep study.
If you or someone you know has sleep
problems, call 205-343-8628 to find out
how the DCH Sleep Lab can help you today.
