Sleep Disorders Center

You will spend approximately one-third of your life sleeping, so make sure it is quality sleep to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Sleep Disorders Center can diagnose and treat a wide variety of sleep disorders in adults and children as young as 5 years old. 

Treatments for sleep disorders vary, so it's important to get an accurate diagnosis. Using state-of-the-art, computerized recording equipment, our Sleep Disorders Center monitors breathing patterns, heart rate, eye movement, muscle tone, brain wave activity and oxygen flow while you sleep. Measuring these results provides the full picture of your personal sleep patterns, allowing your provider to determine a treatment plan that is right for you.

Common sleep disorders include:

• Insomnia - difficulty falling asleep
• Sleep apnea - a serious disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep
• Narcolepsy - sudden sleep attacks and persistent sleepiness
• Restless syndrome and parasomnias - abnormal and recurrent nighttime behaviors such as night terrors and sleepwalking

The Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Sleep Disorders Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

What to Expect During Your Sleep Study

Sleep studies are tests that record what happens to your body during sleep. The studies are done to find out what is causing your sleep problems.

Our Sleep Disorder Center has private, comfortable rooms with queen-size beds, private bathrooms and showers, flat screen TVs, DVD players and WIFI.

During the Sleep Study, the technologist will hook you up to equipment that will monitor your brain waves, respirations, snoring, muscle movements, heartbeat, oxygen levels and body position. You will not feel pain during these tests.

The sleep technologist will be in a separate control room while monitoring your sleep study. We know you may sleep differently in the sleep lab than you do at home, so we try to create a quiet, restful environment for you. Try to relax and make yourself as comfortable as possible.

How to Prepare for Your Sleep Study

• Try to follow your normal sleep routine in the days and weeks leading up to your study so you will not be too tired or too rested for your sleep test.
• Shower, wash your hair and shave before coming to your appointment. Refrain from using hair gels and conditioners on this day.
• Do not have any caffeine or alcohol 4 hours prior to your appointment.
• Bring a list of medications, including names and dosages.
• Take medications as prescribed by your physician.
• Feel free to bring a favorite pillow and a book with you.
• Bring comfortable bedtime clothing.
• If you plan to shower the morning after your study, you may want to bring your personal toiletries.

Tips for Good Sleep

There are numerous factors that can interrupt sleep. Good sleep hygiene can have a positive impact and help you get a good night's rest.

• Maintain a routine sleep schedule daily
• If you are unable to fall asleep or remain asleep, leave the bedroom and take part in a quiet activity, such as reading. Do not watch TV.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol 4-6 hours before bedtime.
• Avoid use of nicotine close to bedtime, preferably avoiding it throughout the night.
• Avoid napping, especially close to bedtime
• Avoid strenuous exercise 4-6 hours before bedtime
• Use the bedroom for sleep and intimacy only.
• Engage in a relaxing activity before bedtime to help relieve stress and promote sleep.
• Enjoy a light, caffeine free snack prior to bedtime, but avoid large meals at this time.
• Create a comfortable bedroom environment for sleep with minimal light, minimal noise and comfortable temperatures. Turn the TV off.

Location & Contact

The Sleep Disorders Center is located on the third floor closest to the South Entrance. Use elevators 8 & 9.

Appointments are available between 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. To make an appointment, please contact your Sleep or Primary Care Physician.

For more information, please call (603) 740-6598.

Trusted Resources

American Sleep Apnea Association

Talk About Sleep