It is estimated that more than 40 million Americans don’t get the rest they need and have chronic health problems as a result. Fortunately, most sleep disorders can be easily diagnosed and, once treated, will noticeably improve your quality of life.

The Sleep Center at SSM St. Clare Health Center is designed to provide examination and treatment for patients experiencing sleep apnea, insomnia, snoring, narcolepsy, gastroesophageal reflux, abnormal motor behaviors, nocturnal seizures, restless leg syndrome and other sleep-related problems. Our experienced team includes pulmonologists and neurologists as well as dedicated sleep technicians who work in cooperation to diagnose and correct sleep problems. Each SSM sleep center location is overseen by a board-certified sleep physician, a feature that sets us apart from many other sleep centers in the metropolitan area.

Polysomnography (PSG) is the standard overnight sleep study and uses digital sensors to record body functions during sleep, including brain activity, eye movement, oxygen and carbon dioxide blood levels, heart rate, breathing rate and breathing rhythm.

Some people feel a little apprehensive about performing a sleep study. But our patients find that once they arrive here, meet our friendly, professional sleep technicians and make themselves at home in a comfortable, private hotel-like room, it’s easier than they had imagined. All of our rooms have queen-size beds, wireless Internet access, flat-screen televisions and private bathrooms.

Could you have a sleep disorder? Take this short quiz.

• Have you been told that you snore loudly and regularly?
• Do you feel tired and groggy when you wake up in the morning?
• Are you often fighting not to fall asleep during the day?
• Has anyone ever seen you gag, choke or hold your breath during sleep?
• Do you have difficulty staying asleep for more than a few hours?

If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, it might be time to speak with your doctor. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 636-496-2820.