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Programs and Services - The Sleep Disorders Center

A good night's sleep is an important component of a person's life. It allows one to be alert and productive during waking hours. In addition, research has recently shown that sleep is important in our body's ability to repair itself as well as the overall function of the immune system. Thus, sleep not only affects the way we feel, but it also affects our overall health.

Approximately 30,000,000 Americans suffer from some form of sleep disorder. This includes approximately 15,000,000 Americans with problems associated with insomnia. In addition, it has recently been demonstrated that approximately 2 to 4% of the general population have significant sleep disorder breathing associated with complaints of excessive daytime sleepiness. This syndrome is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It occurs with a prevalence similar to that of asthma, which has been reported to occur in approximately 5% of the general population.

Temple University Sleep Disorders Center is devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of a full range of sleep disturbances. These include:

Disorders of excessive daytime sleepiness
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Loud snoring
Insomnia
Narcolepsy
Restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movements during sleep
Sleep/wake cycle disturbances
Male impotency
Parasomnias (night terrors, nightmares, sleep walking and bedwetting)
Nocturnal seizures

Who may benefit from the Sleep Disorders Center? Individuals with any of the above listed sleep disorders would benefit from a full evaluation in the Sleep Disorders Center. In addition, if following this evaluation it is deemed necessary, the patient may be required to have a full night sleep study performed in the Sleep Disorders Laboratory. In addition, daytime testing may be required in certain individual patients.

The Sleep Study

A complete sleep study requires one or more consecutive nights of sleeping in the laboratory. The Sleep Laboratory consists of several private rooms designed to simulate a bedroom type setting. Upon arrival to the Sleep Laboratory, the patient has sensors applied to their head, face, chest, abdomen and legs by a specially trained technologist. This allows continuous monitoring of brain wave activity, eye movements, breathing, snoring, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and muscle activity during sleep. The patient is continuously monitored by the technologist throughout the night.

Daytime Study

Upon awakening in the morning, certain individual patients will be asked to stay for what is referred to as a Multiple Sleep Latency Test. This daytime test consists of 4 to 5 20-minute naps separated by 2 hours during which time the patient remains awake. During these 20 minute naps, the patient is requested to lie down in a dark quiet environment and try to fall asleep. This allows quantitation of the patient's daytime sleepiness.

Insurance

Sleep disorders are a recognized medical condition that are covered by many insurance companies. Patients should check with their individual insurance provider regarding their specific plan.

Scheduling

Appointments to be seen at the Sleep Disorders Center can be made by calling 215-707-5900. The Sleep Disorders Clinic is run by Samuel Krachman, DO, who is a board certified specialist in Sleep Disorders Medicine. The Sleep Disorders Laboratory can be contacted for scheduling full night and daytime sleep studies by calling 215-707-8163.

Locations

The Sleep Disorders Center has two locations: