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Considering that we spend about one'third of
our lives sleeping, the quality of our sleep
has a big impact on the overall quality of our
lives. One in three people suffer from a sleep
problem, many times without even realizing it.
According to a report issued by the National
Commission on Sleep Disorders Research, approximately
40 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder
such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome,
or narcolepsy.
MNAP Sleep Disorders Center brings together
board-certified sleep physicians and staff to
diagnose problems in an advanced, 4-room, sleep
center. In MNAP Sleep Disorders Center, the
sleeping rooms are similar to comfortable, residential
bedrooms. Each sleeping room is sound and light'attenuated,
with individual temperature controls. Bathrooms,
showers, hairdryers, evening and morning snacks,
and a small kitchenette are also available.
MNAP works closely with referring physicians
to conduct and evaluate sleep studies. A visit
to the MNAP Center usually requires an overnight
stay in one of our private bedrooms. While patients
sleep, polysomnographic technologists observe
the sleep patterns in a separate room. Brain
activity, breathing patterns, muscle activity,
and heartbeat are monitored. The results of
the tests are then forwarded to the physician
with recommendations for treatment when appropriate.
MNAP Sleep Disorders Center can improve patients'
health and quality of life by diagnosing the
full range of isturbances - sleeplessness,
snoring, and tossing and turning.
At least 84 disorders of sleeping and waking
lead to a lowered quality of life and reduced
personal health. They endanger public safety
by contributing to traffic and industrial accidents.
These disorders can lead to problems falling
asleep and staying asleep, difficulties staying
awake or staying with a regular sleep/wake cycle,
sleepwalking, bedwetting, nightmares, and other
problems that interfere with sleep. Some sleep
disorders can be life-threatening.
Sleep disorders are diagnosed and treated by
many different healthcare professionals, including
general practitioners and specialists in neurology,
pulmonary medicine, psychiatry, psychology, pediatrics,
and other fields. As part of its mission, the
American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) strives
to increase awareness of sleep disorders in public
and professional communities. The AASM is the
major national organization in the field of sleep
medicine. We represent several thousand clinicians
and researchers in sleep disorders medicine.
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