Sleep Center

Northfield Hospital’s Sleep Center can help put the good back in your morning! One in four patients is at risk for sleep disorders, with 90 percent of those still unidentified. 

Appointments: (507) 646-1099

 

Helping You Get a Restful Night of Sleep

Sleep is essential to good health, but getting a good night's sleep isn't always easy. Through clinical study and monitoring sleep patterns in real time, we help you uncover your specific barriers to sleep. We focus on helping you identify and overcome sleep disorders.

Why is sleep important?

Your body needs regular sleep to function throughout the day. Getting good sleep improves your performance, mood and health. Poor sleep raises the risk of many health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke.

Symptoms of sleep disorders

Nighttime syptoms can vary, but can include:

  • Regularly take > 30 minutes to fall asleep
  • Difficulty staying asleep
  • Snoring, choking or gasping while sleeping
  • Waking up with a dry mouth
  • Feeling like you need to move when relaxing to go to sleep
  • Bed partner says you snore loudly, snort, gasp, choke or stop breathing for short periods
  • Bed partner notices your legs or arms jerk during sleep

Daytime symptoms due to lack of adequate sleep:

  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Forgetfulness
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Irritability, depression or anxiety 
  • More frequent mistakes or accidents
  • Morning headaches
  • Take frequent naps
  • Creeping, tingling or crawling feeling in your legs or arms

Factors that cause sleep disorders

  • Physical Disturbances: Chronic pain • Headaches • Fibromyalgia
  • Medical Issues: Sleep apnea
  • Psychiatric Disorders: Depression • Anxiety
  • Medications: Anti-depressants • Blood pressure
  • Genetics

Factors that contribute to sleep problems

  • Caffeine and alcohol
  • Irregular schedules
  • Aging
Man with sleep disorder

Finding Answers

Sleep disorders we diagnose

  • Insomnia
  • Narcolepsy
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Shift work disorder
  • Sleep apnea
  • Hypersomnia

Benefits of treatment

  • Improve your mood
  • Improve your sleep quality
  • Improve your ability to function during the day
  • Help control your blood pressure
  • Lower your risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke

What is a Sleep Study?

What to expect:

A sleep study is a very relaxed and easy procedure used to diagnose the cause of your sleeping problems. Every effort will be made to assure that you are comfortable and at ease with the surroundings. During the test you will sleep at our fully furnished and comfortable sleep study center.

A sleep study technician arranges sensors to monitor heart rate, oxygen levels and eye movement while you sleep, then monitors you from a workspace outside the sleep suite. The study is done over an eight- to nine-hour period, typically beginning around 8 or 9 p.m.

Patients are usually able to leave by 5 or 6 a.m. and can shower up, get ready for their day and grab a quick snack from the breakfast bar before departing.

The study is typically divided into four parts:

Preparation - The technician attaches sensors to your head, chest, arms and legs. During this time the technician will explain the study to you and answer any questions you may have. This takes about an hour.

Lights out - We like people in bed between 10-11 p.m. Up until that time you may watch TV, read or use your computer to help you relax. After that time the TV is turned off and the continued use of computers and cell phones is discouraged.

Diagnostic phase - The technician will monitor your breathing patterns, brain waves, eye movements, blood pressure, heart rate and electrical activity of muscles while you sleep. You may be asked to change sleeping positions so that a thorough study can be completed.

CPAP trial phase - If the technician has observed and documented enough events to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea they will wake you to place a CPAP mask and will adjust the CPAP settings to best treat you.

Providers use the results of the study to diagnose the cause of your sleep disorder.

Snoring

When to see a Specialist

The following questions can help you identify if you might have a sleep problem.

  • Do you have trouble falling asleep?
  • Do you have trouble staying asleep or wake up several times throughout the night?
  • Do you snore or have been told you snore?
  • Have you been told you gasp, choke or stop breathing while asleep?
  • Do you experience an uncontrollable urge to move or kick your legs at night?
  • Are you excessively sleepy throughout the day?
  • Do you regularly need naps during the day in order to function?

If you responded "yes" to any of these questions, make an appointment with your primary care provider about your symptoms and next steps.

Patient talking with doctor

How to Get Started

You need a referral to get a sleep study. Make an appointment with your provider to discuss your sleep issues, symptoms and your concerns. Your provider can make a referral to the Sleep Center. The Sleep Center is not a clinic and doctors do not see patients here.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts throughout the night while sleeping. This deprives your brain and body of oxygen.

Learn more about what sleep apnea is, what the symptoms are, and the conditions.

Woman sleeping soundly
Man unable to sleep

Treatment Options

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure system (CPAP), is positive airway pressure therapy, which includes using a bedside device to deliver pressurized air through a small mask or nasal pillow system. Regular use of CPAP therapy can dramatically improve the quality of rest, but it doesn't always happen overnight.

Dental Appliance Therapy - A dental sleep appliance is custom made for you and fits like a sports mouth guard. It is only worn when sleeping. It supports the jaw in a forward position to help maintain an open upper airway. Research shows that dental appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

To learn more about dental appliance therapy please contact Dr. John Noack at Professional Dental Group in Northfield at 507-645-5264. He specializes in dental appliances as an alternative to CPAP therapy.

Treatments for Sleep Disorders

  • Good sleep habits including healthy diet and exercise
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Bright light therapy in the morning
  • Medication
  • Natural products such as melatonin. Check with your health care provider before taking any natural products.
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Sleep Center Amenities

  • Two sleep suites that promise a hotel-like experience. Each suite has its own bathroom with a shower so you can prepare for your day in the morning when you wake up. 
  • Rooms are climate controlled
  • Sleep Number double beds
  • Special lighting to replicate patients’ sleeping conditions at home

Nutrition Services

Some people have sleep problems due to their weight or eating habits. If your healthcare provider has recommended that you lose weight or change your eating habits as part of your treatment plan, you can schedule an appointment to meet with our team of registered dietician nutritionists. They will help you understand the vital relationship between nutrition and your health and getting a good night's sleep. They will provide education and counsel on nutrition and weight-loss strategies. Please call 507-646-1410 for more information.

National Nutrition Month 2020_ Eat Right Bite By Bite

Articles on Sleep Issues

Home Sleep Test

We offer home sleep tests for patients who may not qualify for an initial in lab sleep study.

Our Team of Doctors and Providers

Dr. Bryan Hoff
Hoff, Bryan
MD
Sleep Center
Gerard O'Halloran, MD
O’Halloran, Gerard
MD
Sleep Center
zell_stacy_circle
Zell, Stacey
LRT
Sleep Center

Service Locations

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Sleep Center - Northfield

2000 North Avenue
Northfield, Minnesota 55057

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started? Where do I go to get a sleep consult?

Our providers do not see patients in this center for sleep consults. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to see if a sleep study may be appropriate for you. If a sleep study is needed, you provider will refer you to the sleep center. You must have a referral.

How do I get or replace equipment or parts?

If you are in need of a CPAP machine, we will provide you with some medial device companies that sell them. The Sleep Center does not sell, service or provide data downloads for CPAP machines. If you need service or parts for your equipment, call your equipment company. 

How can I get a copy of my sleep study?

If you want a copy of your sleep study, call 507-646-1183. Or fill out the form below and fax it to 507-646-1192. 

How much will a sleep study cost? Will my insurance cover a sleep study?

A prior authorization will be required by your referring provider's office. 

Sleep Center Cost Estimate

If you would like to get a price estimate, call 507-646-1084. Please have the following information ready:

  • Description of services needed
  • Insurance card
  • Deductible, co-insurance, out-of-pocket max and co-payment amounts

You can also get an estimate using the Price Estimate Tool

Insurance Coverage

Every person has their own individual insurance plan and a deductible. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to find out if the sleep study will be covered.

If you have pricing or insurance questions, call 507-646-1084.

Do I have to have a referral to get a sleep study?

A sleep study does require a referral or an order from your provider. You cannot self-refer for a test. A prior authorization will be required by your referring providers office.

Do the doctors see patients at the Sleep Center?

No. The doctors do not see patients in the Sleep Center. You will need to make an appointment with the doctors at the clinic. 

How do I make, change or cancel an appointment?

Sleep studies are scheduled at varying times throughout the day. Please call 701-234-9667 to schedule your sleep study. 

What are the sleep centers hours?

We do sleep studies 7 days a week, around the clock.

What should I remember to bring?

You must sleep in some type of sleepwear, sport shorts, t-shirt. Cotton clothing is best. If you forget to bring sleep clothing, we will give you a set of scrubs to wear. Remember to bring:

  • Your completed questionnaire 
  • Current insurance card 
  • Any medication that you need. 
  • You are welcome to bring a pillow from home
  • If you prefer a light snack before bed, please bring that.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for the night of the study?

  1. Do not stop taking any medications, unless specifically requested by your health care provider. If your health care provider has ordered a nasal spray, use it before you come in or bring it with you. 
  2. No caffeine or alcohol after 2:00 p.m. unless a sleep center doctor advises otherwise. 
  3. Bathe and wash your hair before the sleep study. Do not use hair cream, moisturizers, rinses, oils, sprays, or makeup on your skin. 
  4. Men: if you are usually clean-shaven, please shave before you come in. 
  5. Women: Remove acrylic nails or dark fingernail polish

Will I be able to sleep?

Most patients are able to sleep quite well. You may go to the restroom during the night.

Can someone from my family stay?

Unfortunately, family members are not allowed to stay with you during the actual testing. The set-up preparation of the testing takes an hour, and family members are welcome to be with you during this time only. NO PETS are allowed. If you have special needs and would need assistance, please let us know so arrangements can be made.

Should I stop taking my medication? Can I bring my medication to the sleep center?

Do not stop taking any medication, unless specifically requested by your health care provider. Please be sure to bring all medications that you need with you and keep them in their original labeled container. You will need to notify the technician that you have the medication and when you will self-administer it. Please do not bring any dietary supplements. Supplements cannot be administered in the center. Please take those at home before you come.

How long does a study last?

The study lasts approximately 8 hours. You will have completed the study by 6:30 or 7:00 in the morning. Unless directed by a sleep doctor, you will not sleep later than that. Generally, the study itself is a very relaxed easy test. Every effort will be made to assure that you are comfortable and at ease with the surroundings. The study is typically divided into four parts:

  1. Preparation - This takes about an hour. The technician will attach many sensors to your head, chest, arms, and legs. During this time, the technician will explain the test to you, and answer any questions you may have.
  2. Lights out - We like people in bed between 10-11pm. Up until that time, you may watch TV, read or use your computer to help you relax. After that time, the TV is turned off and the continued use of computers and cell phones is discouraged.
  3. Diagnostic phase - The technician will monitor your breathing patterns while you sleep. You may be asked to change sleeping positions so that a thorough study can be completed.
  4. CPAP trial phase - If the technician has observed and documented enough events to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, they will wake you to place a CPAP mask and will adjust the CPAP settings to best treat you.

When do I get my results?

Please make a follow up appointment with the health care provider that ordered the test for you, or as directed by that provider. They may have asked that a follow up appointment be with a sleep specialist. In general, that appointment should be two weeks after your test, unless otherwise directed by you provider.

Do you offer sleep studies for kids?

No. We only offer sleep studies for adults. 

Sleep Center services are provided in partnership with Precision Diagnostic Services (PDS), Inc. For more information, contact us at 507-646-1099.