This article originally appeared in Be Well, a health
information newsletter published for members of the Greater Marlborough
community.
Stan Vogt knows about sleep problems. He used to wake up feeling exhausted,
regardless of how many hours he slept. He felt groggy and had trouble
concentrating during the day. Mr.Vogt's family was also tired of his loud
snoring and finally encouraged him to discuss his problems with his doctor, who
referred him to Sleep HealthCenters®.
After a comprehensive assessment and sleep study test, Mr.Vogt was diagnosed
with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and began using a continuous positive airway
pressure mask at night for treatment. OSA is a sleep disorder affecting more
than 18 million Americans. In addition to leaving one feeling tired during the
day, it is linked to a host of serious disorders, including an increased risk of
heart disease, diabetes, depression and stroke. Marlborough Hospital, in
partnership with Sleep HealthCenters, recently began a comprehensive sleep
disorders program to diagnose and treat sleep problems, like OSA, insomnia,
narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome.
The program includes a sleep laboratory at the Embassy Suites Hotel in
Marlborough where overnight sleep studies are conducted to help diagnose sleep
problems. The sleep center, where patients receive treatment and follow-up care
after the sleep study, is located on the second floor of the hospital. It is
staffed by board-certified sleep specialist physicians, nurse practitioners and
respiratory therapists who discuss with patients the results of the sleep study
and the different treatment options available.
"Sleep disorders, such as OSA, are very common. There are many different
types of disorders, and a professionally conducted sleep test helps us identify
the problem, so we can plan the treatment," said Sandra Horwitz, MD, interim
medical director at the Marlborough Hospital Sleep Center. "Having a sleep
disorder diagnosed and treated can make a significant improvement in a patient's
health and quality of life."
Mr.Vogt found treating his OSA made a huge difference. "When I was first
diagnosed with OSA, I heard about people sleeping with breathing machines, and I
didn't want that! But I soon got used to it, and now I'm not tired anymore
during the day. I'm glad I had my sleep disorder diagnosed."
The new Marlborough Hospital Sleep Center, affiliated with Sleep
HealthCenters, is located in the Marlborough Hospital Medical Office
Building, 159 Union Street, Suite 102. A primary care physician referral is
usually required. To make an appointment call 877-SLEEPHC (877-753-3742).