(Mountain View, Ark.) –Kevin Spears, Vice President of White River Health, and COO of Stone County Medical Center (SCMC), is proud to announce the SCMC Sleep Center located at 2202 East Main Street is now open and accepting patients.

Over 40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders. Fatigue contributes to over 100,000 police –reported highway crashes each year according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Less than 20% of patients have asked their physicians about their sleep problems according to sleephealth.org.

Not being able to fall asleep or falling asleep during waking hours may be more of an issue than some realize. It can be a symptom of a serious health condition such as Circadian Rhythm Disorder, Narcolepsy, Restless Leg Syndrome, and Sleep Apnea. The SCMC Sleep Center monitors patients while they sleep to provide physicians with valuable information used to identify conditions that may be preventing patients from receiving a good night’s rest, and prescribe appropriate treatment.

A sleep study is called a Polysomnogram. The test is usually conducted at night for the most accurate recording of your sleep patterns. During the test, technicians record brain waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, and eye and leg movements while the patient sleeps.

If you or a family member experience sleep problems for more than one week, have problems functioning due to lack of sleep, or have heard complaints from others about snoring or involuntary leg movement, you may benefit from a sleep study.

If needed, your primary care provider or a specialist will order your sleep study. Test results will be interpreted by a White River Health Sleep Specialist, Dr. Shahla Naoman or Dr. Jyothi Prabha. The interpretation report and treatment recommendations will be sent to the ordering provider who will review the results with you.

Other tips to help you get a good night’s sleep include avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the evening; avoid napping; exercise regularly; establish a bedtime routine; avoid watching TV or other activities when in your bedroom; and attempt to create a comfortable, dark, and quiet space for sleep.

The SCMC Sleep Center is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night from 7PM to 7AM. To make an appointment, call 870-269-2871 or visit the Stone County Medical Center Home Page.