Sleep Disorders

The St. Peter’s Hospital Sleep Disorders Center has been serving Helena and its surrounding communities since 1995. Staff includes a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist, respiratory therapists, and other licensed allied health care professionals, all of whom have received training in recognition and treatment of sleep disorders. These staff have performed over 1,500 sleep studies.

The Hospital’s facility uses state-of-the-art digital equipment for the collection of sleep study data. At St. Peter’s Sleep Disorders Center, patients have a private bathroom and shower connected to their room, much like a motel, in order to maximize privacy and comfort. The Center’s friendly, professional staff members strive to make each stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Beds are located in the Hospital’s Professional Wing (former medical floor).

There are many disorders that can affect sleep, and only a physician can determine if patients may benefit from having a sleep study performed. A physician uses patient information to determine what tests may be needed.

Sleeplessness is a severe problem that can be dangerous if it goes untreated.  Insomnia can lead to exhaustion, which can lead to accidents. Often, difficulty sleeping is a warning sign of an underlying health problem. People who routinely have trouble falling asleep need medical attention. Many sleep disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Restless Legs, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, and Narcolepsy all have symptoms of daytime tiredness. People who spend an adequate amount of time in bed at night, but still feel tired during the day, may have a sleep disorder.

Start by discussing tiredness with a physician and inform the doctor about other symptoms such as:

• Loud snoring
• Awakening gasping in the night
• Being told that you hold your breath or stop breathing
• Awakening with morning headaches
• Having high blood pressure
• Falling asleep while driving
• Frequent kicking in the night
• Aching, crawling sensations in your legs when you go to bed
• “Weak knees” or body “goes limp” when laughing or upset

Sleeping disorders qualify as medical conditions and patients need real medical solutions. St. Peter’s staff conducts extensive private and painless tests to get to the root of sleeping disorders. Neurologist Thomas Mulgrew, M.D., determines the right course of treatment to help patients get the kind of sleep they need. 
The St. Peter’s Hospital Sleep Disorders Center tests patients five nights per week, Sunday through Thursday. Many health insurance companies cover the majority of the cost of sleep studies.