Chesapeake Health opens its new Sleep Center
Jan. 11, 2007 — Chesapeake Health’s new regional Sleep Center at Chesapeake General Hospital’s Lifestyle Center has started caring for patients.
The need for such a facility is already being documented. In its first screenings, held in early December, 20 patients were tested. Of those, 17 were diagnosed with sleep apnea.
“There is a great need for a place like this in the Tidewater area,” said Dr. Vandana Dhawan, a board-certified sleep specialist and the center’s medical director. “Sleep is an essential part of everyone’s life, yet many people who have sleep issues do not know what to do about them.”
A grand opening of the center was Jan. 10. Some 200 attended to tour the facility and meet the staff.
Equipped with four adult outpatient beds, the center brings innovative technologies and solutions to an age-old problem that affects millions of Americans. Each room is furnished with a bathroom, queen-sized bed, fan, television and plush comforters.
“Obviously, the more comfortable patients feel, the more likely they will be able to sleep normally in our facility,” said Dhawan. “Our goal is to make the patient comfortable and relaxed enough to perform an accurate test.”
Specially trained staff members diagnose and treat such serious sleep disorders as sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome. These disorders can ruin not only a good night’s sleep, but also the health of many sufferers. Sleep disorders can also lead to more serious medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, stroke, coronary artery disease and other life-threatening illnesses, in addition to automobile accidents.
The latest in medications, breathing masks and at-home monitoring equipment are available at the Chesapeake Health facility. In addition, the center will offer follow-up care with physicians and staff trained specifically in sleep medicine and respiratory therapy. Fast turnaround on tests will also be a top priority.
The center has already become a training site for Tidewater Community College’s program for polysonographers.
Appointments are based on referrals. For more information about the center and its services, call 757.312.6565.