Sleep & EEG Services
Providing answers and treatment for your sleep problems, Providence Sleep Disorders Centers have a team of sleep experts who have diagnosed and treated sleep disorders for more than 25 years. Our experience shows that most people can significantly improve their quality of sleep and life through a variety of treatment options.
Using the latest technology, we can diagnose and treat the full-range of adult and child sleep disorders. A referral is required for most sleep services so talk to your primary care physician about any sleep concerns you may have.
Our sleep centers offer:
- Diagnostic sleep testing procedures, including polysomnography, MSLT, MWT and home sleep testing.
- Access to an insomnia specialist who provides a comprehensive classroom program for understanding, treating and living with insomnia.
- Sleep studies read and evaluated by board-certified sleep physicians.
- Advanced titration technologies for treatment of complex sleep apnea, neuromuscular diseases and other respiratory diseases with the newest technologies like AVAPS and auto-servo ventilation.
One of the most common sleep disorders is sleep apnea, which literally means to stop breathing during sleep. Many people don't realize snoring can cause significant health issues. Often it is a bed partner, family member or friend who notices the signs of sleep apnea: snoring, snorting and/or gasping for air. Fortunately most people can be helped once their condition is diagnosed.
Left untreated, sleep apnea may lead to a number of medical problems. Research has shown that people with sleep apnea may experience:
- Extremely loud, heavy snoring often interrupted by pauses and gasps
- Daytime sleepiness, sometimes leading to falling asleep at work, while driving or during conversation
- Decreased daytime alertness, loss of energy or constant fatigue
- Irritability, short temper
- Morning headaches
- Irregular heartbeat during sleep
- Forgetfulness
- Change in mood or behavior
- Decreased interest in sex
- Impaired on-the-job performance
- Increased rate of accidents when driving or operating equipment
- Heart abnormalities or hypertension
Providence sleep physicians are board-certified in sleep medicine and are able to diagnose and treat multiple sleep problems and disorders.
All technologists have more than six months of classroom and clinical training before providing tests for patients, a standard that far exceeds the industry standard.
Each year, Providence sleep programs support the Providence Mission, giving back to their communities by providing community education, participating in health fairs and presenting continuing education for industry professionals.
All testing is done in accordance with standards established by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). All Oregon Providence Sleep Centers are Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The accreditation process involves detailed inspection of a center’s facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts and physician training. Additionally the center’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.
Referral form for clinics and providers to complete a patient referral for services at one of the Providence sleep centers or labs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sleep disorders are conditions that affect your ability to get quality sleep. When your sleep is disrupted – such as trouble staying asleep or abnormal breathing during sleep – it can affect your overall health and daily life.
Providence Sleep Disorders Centers treat a range of sleep disorders, including some of the most common:
- Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.
- Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and the tendency to fall asleep at inappropriate times.
- Parasomnias include sleepwalking, sleep talking, bedwetting, night terrors, convulsions and teeth grinding.
- Periodic limb movement disorder causes the arms or legs to jerk involuntarily during sleep.
- Restless leg syndrome produces a tingly, or restless, sensation in the legs that can make it difficult to sleep.
- Sleep apnea is a serious disorder in which breathing pauses or becomes shallow during sleep. This is the most common disorder treated at our sleep centers and is often characterized by snoring and daytime sleepiness.
Sleep disorders can lead to stress, excessive fatigue, accidents and other problems. If left untreated, some sleep disorders may increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
A referral is required for most sleep services. Speak with your primary care doctor if you have any sleep concerns, including:
- Breathing problems during sleep, including pausing or stopping
- Daytime sleepiness
- Not feeling refreshed after a full night’s sleep
- Tingling or “creepy-crawly” sensations in your legs when trying to sleep or relax
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
Not everyone who snores has a sleep disorder. However, snoring can sometimes be a sign of a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, a common condition that affects breathing during sleep.
Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about snoring or breathing during sleep.
Providence Sleep Disorders Centers use procedures, testing and treatment that meet or exceed the American Academy of Sleep Medicine standards. We provide both overnight and daytime testing at our centers. In addition, we offer home sleep testing and pediatric sleep services.
We’ll contact you to schedule the appointment and ask you questions about your sleep and any problems you’re experiencing.
If a breathing concern is observed during your sleep study, the sleep technologist may wake you to try a breathing device, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This device uses a mask that fits around your nose, or both your nose and mouth, and helps keep the airway open while you sleep.
Some sleep studies can be conducted at home, if directed by your doctor. Most sleep studies are performed at one of our Providence Sleep Disorders Centers, located at:
Healthy daily habits can help you fall asleep more easily and get better quality sleep. Some recommendations for a better night’s sleep include:
- Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep
- Avoid alcohol before bedtime and limit caffeine in the late afternoon or evening
- Avoid using electronic devices, including smartphones, at least 30 minutes before bedtime
- Create a relaxing bedroom environment, including a comfortable, cool temperature
- Establish a calming bedtime routine
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends or vacations
- Limit exposure to bright lights in the evening
- Only go to bed if you’re sleepy – if you’re still awake after 20 minutes, get out of bed
- Reduce fluid intake before bedtime
- Refrain from eating large meals before bedtime; instead, choose a light, healthy snack
- Use your bedroom for sleeping only – avoid eating, working or watching TV in bed
These are general recommendations. Talk with your doctor about personalized guidance based on your specific needs.