Sleep Disorders Center helps patients rest easy
St. Charles resident Mitch Champagne, pulmonary disease research director for Midwest Chest Consultants, has experienced the benefits of undergoing a sleep study at the Center. “I was suffering from constant fatigue, falling asleep during the day, and it got to the point where I once fell asleep behind the wheel of my car,” Champagne says. “I was still reluctant to do something about the problem even though I knew something was wrong. My wife is the one who actually encouraged me to seek the help I needed.”
At the urging of his wife, Chris, Champagne scheduled an initial evaluation by Medical Director of the SSM St. Joseph Sleep Disorders Center, Thomas Siler, M.D., who is boardcertified in sleep medicine. They discussed Mitch’s symptoms and decided he would undergo an overnight sleep study at the facility, during which professionals monitor heart rate, breathing, brain waves, oxygen saturation and sleep disruption. The information is then used in determining diagnosis and treatment options.
At the completion of the study, Champagne was diagnosed with a common sleep disorder known as sleep apnea, which causes people to stop breathing during sleep. Each pause in breathing causes blood oxygen levels to fall, which robs vital organs of the oxygen that allows them to function.
“I was looking forward to finding out what the problems were, but I have to say I was surprised at the severity of my sleep apnea,” says Champagne. “During the overnight study I had stopped breathing over 40 times an hour, sometimes for 40 to 45 seconds at a time.”
To alleviate his symptoms, Champagne now has a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine in his home. Nasal CPAPs deliver air into the airway through specifically designed pillows that are worn every night during sleep. The mask does not breathe for its users, but the flow of air creates enough pressure during inhalation to keep the airway open.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, CPAP is considered the most effective nonsurgical treatment for the alleviation of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The CPAP treatment has been found to be nearly 100 percent effective in eliminating sleep apnea and snoring when used correctly, and will eliminate the necessity of a surgical procedure. The equipment is typically covered by most insurance companies.
Champagne now has regular followup visits with Dr. Siler to monitor his treatment and track his progress. He says the experience has been a positive one, and advises others with sleep problems to seek help. “My expectations have been realized,” Champagne says. “I’m no longer struggling to stay awake and I have a clearer mind and more energy throughout the day. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.”
