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Sleep Care
651-232-1212
The Sleep Care Center at St. Joseph 's Hospital monitors, diagnoses and suggests treatment for a variety of sleep disorders. Each year we help hundreds of patients improve their health and quality of life. We are an accredited center through the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Sleep disorders
The National Institutes of Health estimate that there are more than 70 different sleep-related disorders. Some are simply a nuisance. Others deprive people of energy, judgment and concentration. Most sleep disorders can be diagnosed and treated; yet only a small percentage of people seek help.
Common sleep disorders include:
- Sleep Apnea is a condition in which breathing stops for a period of time, ranging from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. When it becomes severe, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
- Hypersomnia is an excessive need for sleep, either continuous or intermittent, usually more than 12 hours a night. Many people suffering from hypersomnia feel the need to take long naps during the day.
- Narcolepsy, a form of hypersomnia, refers to uncontrollable attacks of daytime sleep, often resulting in hallucinations, muscle weakness or body collapse.
- Insomnia affects nearly 50 percent of elderly people. Caused by psychological, environmental or physical conditions, it can cause difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking during the night or an inability to fall asleep after waking.
- Night Terrors cause an individual to wake suddenly, sit up, open his or her eyes, scream, moan or cry. Night terrors can last as long as a half hour, after which a person returns to sleep. Unlike nightmares, which are often remembered the next morning, night terrors usually are not.
Sleep study
A sleep study (polysomnogram) is a test that measures bodily functions during sleep. Patients are generally referred to Sleep Care by their primary doctor.
Prior to your appointment, you will complete a questionnaire about your sleep problems, general health and family medical history. Informational materials will be sent to you before your appointment.
Diagnosing a sleep disorder requires you to be monitored during sleep. This happens throughout a single 8-hour nighttime period in a private room.
While you are asleep, equipment and sensors record and monitor signals such as:
- Brainwaves
- Eye movements
- Muscle tension
- Leg movements
- Breathing
- Blood oxygen levels
When you wake up in the morning, the sleep study will be over.
Diagnosis and treatment
Your sleep test will be analyzed by a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders and a sleep disorders technologist. You'll receive the test results in the morning or during a follow-up visit with your doctor. Treatment options might include:
- Weight loss
- Mechanical devices to keep you from sleeping on your back
- Dental devices
- Medication
- Lifestyle changes
- Counseling
- Surgery
Sleep Care staff
St. Joseph 's Sleep Care Center is led by a medical director and experienced polysomnography technicians, all of whom have received special training to help patients find solutions to their sleep disorders. In addition, a multi-disciplinary team of specialists — including neurologists and psychologists — participates in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
Sleep Care locations
At St. Joseph’s, we've have been helping patients find more restful sleep since our sleep center opened in 1981. HealthEast Sleep Care is also available at:
- Kennard Professional Building
3100 Kennard Street, Suite 200
Maplewood, MN 55109
651-326-7979
- Woodwinds Health Campus
1925 Woodwinds Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125
651-232-0878