Sleep Lab in Denison, Texas

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers sleep insufficiency a major public health problem. People nodding off while performing daily tasks has been linked to motor vehicle crashes, medical errors and industrial disasters. People who do not get sufficient sleep are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, depression and obesity, as well as cancer, increased mortality, and reduced quality of life and productivity.

According to the CDC, between 50-70 million adults in the U.S. have a sleep or wakefulness disorder. Physicians affiliated with The Sleep Lab, at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, TX, focus on diagnosing and treating sleep disorders and other conditions. The Sleep Lab was named Best Sleep Services in the Herald Democrat's 2023 Best of Texoma Readers Survey.

Different types of sleep disorders

Of the nearly 70 million Americans who are problem sleepers, about half have a chronic disorder that keeps them from getting the restorative sleep they need, according to the CDC. Common sleep disorders include:

• Snoring — Obstructed breathing during sleep
• Sleep apnea — Pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while sleeping
• Restless leg syndrome — Leg movements preventing sleep
• Periodic limb movement disorder
• Sleepwalking, night terrors (unremembered frightening dreams), nocturnal eating disorders
• Hypersomnia — Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Insomnia — Difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep
• Narcolepsy — Uncontrollable urges to sleep

After an initial consultation with TMC's sleep specialists, you may be asked to participate in a sleep study (or polysomnography) to help physicians diagnose your condition and recommend a plan of treatment.

Sleep studies in Grayson County, TX

During an overnight stay at the sleep center, a specially trained technologist will attach small monitoring devices to your head, arms, legs and torso. The devices monitor sleep patterns, heart rate, breathing, muscle movement, brain waves and oxygen levels to help identify your sleep disorder.

An overnight sleep study at TMC's Sleep Lab offers the safety of a hospital setting with the comfort of a hotel suite. All four rooms feature big, comfortable beds and are equipped with wireless internet and cable TV. Appointments are available seven nights a week. 

TMC's Sleep Lab also offers at-home sleep studies so patients have the option of sleeping in the comfort of their own bed. Patients meet with a sleep specialist at the hospital first to learn how to use the portable recording equipment, which fits in the palm of the hand. 

Sleep studies are scored during the procedure and preliminary results are available the same day. Detailed results are available within 48 hours of the study and forwarded to your physician. A referral is required for a sleep study and most insurance plans are accepted.

Treating sleep disorders

Many sleep disorders can be treated with lifestyle changes including a healthy diet, exercise and adjusting poor sleep habits. Psychological or behavioral therapy, medications or surgery may be needed in some cases.

One of the most successful treatments for sleep apnea is called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). CPAP is a mask that is worn during sleep; it fits over the mouth or nose only and blows a gentle, steady stream of air into the airway to help keep it open during sleep.