The Apple Valley Medical Clinic's Sleep Center has moved to 14843 Energy Way in Apple Valley. The center, which opened in 2010 under the medical direction of Scott Benson, M.D., a family medicine physician with the Apple Valley Medical Clinic, offers preventive care, diagnosis and referral for treatment of sleep disorders. It is a collaboration between the clinic and Valley Inspired Products, a research facility that investigates new products and services used in the identification and treatment of sleep disorders.
"Combining Valley Inspired Products and the Sleep Center into one location enhances our ability to be on the leading edge of sleep-related research and provide a service that is not available from any other sleep lab in the Twin Cities," said McCoy. "For instance, most sleep therapy products perform differently. Knowing the differences helps physicians find the best solutions for patient success with therapy."
Sleep disorders diagnosed and treated at the Sleep Center include snoring, narcolepsy (excessive sleepiness), restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, which affects 18 million people in the United States, occurs when the airway relaxes and narrows during sleep, impairing breathing. Essentially, people with this condition suffocate many times for a short period of time through the night, and this can lead to more serious health problems, including migraines, heart failure and stroke.
"The connection to the Apple Valley Medical Clinic provides patients with access to our family medicine physicians," said Benson. "Getting a good night's sleep is important. The lack of sleep can both affect and lead to a number of medical issues."
The Sleep Center, which is open per appointment during the week, can perform up to six sleep studies (polysomnograms) a week. During a sleep study, the patient spends a night in the sleep lab, during which time his or her vital signs and sleep patterns are monitored. Information is collected, scored and interpreted to determine if therapy is needed. Therapy can include behavioral treatments to help lose weight, oral appliances, continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) devices and ENT consultation.
Patients wishing to participate in a sleep study require a prescription from their physician. Individuals interested in more information about the Apple Valley Medical Clinic Sleep Center should call 952-432-6161.
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