Piedmont Newnan Hospital’s Sleep Center opened at its new location on Nov. 10 at 20 Francis Way, Suite 150 in Sharpsburg near Thomas Crossroads.

The Sleep Center is a full-service outpatient sleep disorders laboratory that offers diagnosis, treatment, assessment and follow-up services for sleep disorders. The Sleep Center is expanding from four to six beds.

“We are growing to meet the needs of the community,” said Michael Bass, president and CEO of PNH. “Physicians specializing in sleep medicine will provide consultation and reading services on-site so Newnan area residents will have the convenience of a full-service sleep lab right around the corner.”

When a patient comes in for a sleep study at Piedmont Newnan’s Sleep Center, the staff runs a number of painless and informative tests while the patient is asleep. Once a physician diagnoses the patient’s sleep problems, the staff will recommend and review available treatment options — giving the patient the opportunity to completely understand and feel comfortable with any treatments and next steps. Consultations can be conducted over the phone to determine if a sleep study is recommended.

About 25 percent of the population suffers from sleep disorders and common types include: sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy and periodic limb movement in sleep (PLMS). Common symptoms of sleep disorders to be aware of are daytime fatigue, inability to sleep for long periods of time, and breathing difficulties during sleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation some of the biggest “sleep stealers” are stress, jet lag, shift work, lifestyle stressors, such as drinking alcohol and exercising close to bedtime, environmental interferences such as temperature or noise, physical factors, such as arthritis or back pain, and medications. Some tips for getting good sleep include:

· Avoiding caffeine, nicotine and alcohol in the late afternoon and evening.

· Exercising regularly, at least three hours before bedtime.

· Only using the bed for sleep.

· Establishing a regular, relaxing bedtime routine to “signal” the brain it is time to sleep.

· Avoiding napping during the day if having trouble sleeping at night.

“Sleep is not merely a ‘time out’ from our busy routines -- it is essential for good health, mental and emotional functioning and safety. Sleep disorders are one of the nation’s most common medical conditions, but also the most under diagnosed and undertreated,” said Leslie Huff, director of PNH’s Sleep Center. “There is a critical need for appropriate care of these patients, and we are pleased to offer sleep services to the community.”

Individuals need to discuss sleeping problems with their primary physician, who can administer a screening questionnaire to determine if they may need a sleep study. Patients must have a doctor’s referral. For more information, please call Piedmont Newnan Hospital’s Sleep Center at 770-254-3289 or visit www.piedmontnewnan.org.

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