Sleep Laboratory

Hannibal Regional Hospital’s Sleep Lab provides assessments by certified and registered professionals in a home-like setting for patients suffering from sleep disorders.  The Sleep Lab will work with your physician to determine the cause of your sleepiness and to create a plan to treat it.

Most adults need from seven to nine hours of sleep each night.  Americans tend to put sleep on the bottom of their priority list. Lack of sleep can take a toll on daily activities and affect general health, physical appearance and create problems with creativity and memory.

For more information about sleep in general or sleep disorders, call Hannibal Regional Hospital’s Sleep Lab at 573-248-5344.

How to get an appointment with the sleep lab

Sleep lab services must be ordered by your physician. Please talk to your primary care provider if you have concerns about the quality of your sleep. For additional questions, call the Sleep Lab at Hannibal Regional Hospital Laboratory - 573-248-5344.

Click here for the Sleep Matters Newsletter.

Sleep Disorders

Poor sleep can be cause by a variety of factors. A sleep study can help determine which of the factors is interfering with your sleep. The Sleep lab team will work with your physician to create a care plan to help you sleep better.

Sleep Apnea Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common kind of sleep apnea and is caused when the airway has become blocked, causing breathing to pause for a few seconds.  Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in overweight patients but can be found n all segments of the population.  Treatments for obstructive sleep apnea include positioning, weight loss, avoiding alcohol, oral appliances, surgery, or continuous positive air pressure (CPAP).

Central Sleep Apnea is a rare condition in which the brain fails to tell the body to breathe. Treatment for central sleep apnea varies depending upon the exact cause and diagnosis.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. It is caused by a neurological disorder that can cause people to quickly fall asleep or experience a sudden muscle weakness. Treatments include lifestyle management or drug therapy.

Insomnia

Insomnia is characterized by the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Symptoms of insomnia can include daytime sleepiness, irritability, general tiredness, or problems with concentration or memory. Your physician will do a complete examination which may include a sleep study. Treatment for insomnia may include behavior modification or sleeping pills.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Excessive daytime sleepiness may be caused by medical conditions, not getting enough sleep, medications or sleep disorders. This condition may be treated with lifestyle changes, medication, or treatment for an underlying condition.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome, the need to move your legs during the night to relieve uncomfortable sensations, can lead to insomnia. Treatment may include warm baths, massage and relaxation techniques.

How to get a good night’s sleep

• Get up at the same time each day
• Exercise
• Don’t nap during the day
• Do relaxing activities in the half-hour before bed
• Avoid caffeine from late afternoon on
• Cut down on alcohol
• Get some sunshine
• make your bedroom dark
• Use your bed only for sleep or sex
• Avoid eating large meals or large snacks before bed

Reasons for a sleep study
Studies have shown that lack of sleep goes hand in hand with more serious health problems, which can be life-threatening. Sleep deprivation can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, increased risk of stroke, and increased risk of motor vehicle accidents due to drowsy driving. Signs that you may need a sleep study include:

Daytime sleepiness and fatigue Lower energy levels Waking up feeling tired Irritability Weight gain Snoring	Heartburn Nightmares High blood pressure Heart problems Depression Frequent accidents

Test Your Sleepiness and Fatigue

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations, in contrast to feeling “just tired?” This refers to your usual way of life in recent times. Even if you have not done some of these things recently, try to work out how they would have affected you.

Use the following scale to chose the most appropriate number for each situation.
0 = would never doze | 1 = slight chance of dozing | 2 = moderate chance of dozing | 3 = high chance of dozing
Situation Chance of Dozing

1. Sitting and reading 0 1 2 3
2. Watching television 0 1 2 3
3. Sitting, inactive in a public place (e.g. theater or meeting) 0 1 2 3
4. As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break 0 1 2 3
5. Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstance permits 0 1 2 3
6. Sitting and talking quietly to someone 0 1 2 3
7. Sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol 0 1 2 3
8. In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic 0 1 2 3

Total your score
1 - 6 Congratulations, you are getting enough sleep!
7 - 8 Your score is average
9 and up Seek the advice of a sleep specialist without delay

Fatigue Severity Scale
The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) is a method of evaluating the impact of fatigue on you. The FSS is a short questionnaire that requires you to rate your level of fatigue. A low value (e.g. 1) indicates strong disagreement with the statement, whereas a high value (e.g. 7) indicates strong agreement. It is important that you circle a number (1 to 7) for every question.

Total Score:
A total score of less than 36 suggests that you may not be suffering from fatigue.
A total score of 36 or more suggests that you may need further evaluation by a physician.

The Sleep Lab is located in Hannibal Regional Hospital. The two home-like testing rooms both have comfortable queen-sized beds and televisions. Patients may use the restroom in the Sleep Lab during testing. During testing, patients are monitored from a control room within the Sleep Lab.

Diagnostic Equipment	Sleep Lab Testing Room
Computer Sleep Assessment	Sleep Study Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sleep study?

The person will come to the sleep lab in the evening. We will attach electrodes to monitor breathing, heart rate and brain activity while the patient sleeps. Test results are recorded and interpreted by our medical director, who will make a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan.

Are people able to sleep with all the wires?

Every attempt is made to help patients feel comfortable and relaxed. The wires are gathered and tied together, allowing you the ability to move and turn in bed without becoming tangled in wires. Some patients actually say that they sleep better in the lab. You may use the restroom at any time during testing.

Can I use the restroom?

Yes, there is a restroom in the sleep lab that patients may use during their sleep study.
Are patients allowed to take a sleeping pill?
Yes. If you normally take a sleeping pill prescribed by your physician, you may take it on the night of your sleep test. At Hannibal regional Hospital Sleep Lab, we work hard to create a sleeping experience as close as possible to home in order to produce accurate test results.

Does insurance cover a sleep study?

Many insurance providers do cover the cost of a sleep study. When the doctor’s order is received at Hannibal Regional Hospital Sleep Lab, the order is sent for pre-certification authorization from the patient’s insurance provider.

How can I get more information on sleep studies?

For more information, call Hannibal Regional Hospital’s Sleep lab at 573-248-5344.

Our Sleep Medicine Physicians