For Immediate Release: February 17, 2009

Contact: Brian Reardon (217) 544-6464, ext. 44306 brian.reardon@st-johns.org

St. John's offers new services for treating sleep disorders

SPRINGFIELD – The Sleep Center at St. John’s Hospital has begun offering three new services for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and other sleep disorders.

A new Multi-Disciplinary Sleep Clinic provides care for conditions such as sleep disorder breathing and insomnia. For patients with insomnia, the Clinic offers sessions with a cognitive behavioral therapy counselor. Patients with OSA who are having difficulty with their Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (C-PAP) treatment can meet with a respiratory therapist, as well as a dietitian to provide guidance for weight loss. A physician referral is necessary.  OSA is associated with heightened risks of cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, congestive heart failure and stroke. 

The second new service offered is pre-operative outpatient OSA screenings. An estimated 10 percent of surgery patients have undiagnosed OSA, which can create post-operative complications. Precautions are taken for at-risk patients before surgery. Prior to discharge from the hospital, the patient’s primary care doctor will be notified so an outpatient sleep study and follow up can be scheduled.

The third new service is the Inpatient Sleep Disorders Team. The team identifies hospitalized patients suspected of having OSA. Patients are evaluated by a member of the Sleep Disorders Team and receive education, an appointment for an outpatient sleep study and follow up with their primary care doctor. The service is not exclusive to Springfield patients. Those from neighboring communities will have their primary care physician contacted to coordinate an appointment as well as to schedule a sleep test.

For more information on The Sleep Center at St. John’s Hospital, please call (217) 544-6464 ext. 44670.