SGMC sleep center helps treat sleep disorders

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) – One in three people have a sleep disorder and 95% of them go undiagnosed.

The Sleep Center at South Georgia Medical Center conducts sleep studies, determines the problem, and helps you get the rest you need.

Visiting at night, patients spend the night in their private rooms. The sleep technician monitors the patient’s muscle, brain and respiratory activity. All recorded data is reviewed by a sleep physician.

Neurology and sleep specialist Dr Mahmood Eisa said sleep is a crucial part of medicine.

“A lot of people are chronically sleep deprived. And because of this, lifestyle and other issues arise which can affect people in a big way. People don’t understand how important sleep is for their health, ”said Eisa.

Lack of sleep can cause depression, mood swings, drowsiness during the day, lack of concentration. These can cause a craving for caffeine and can cause other problems like heart problems, seizures, and high blood pressure.

Eisa said the two disorders they treat the most are sleep apnea and insomnia.

“Incidents of sleep apnea are really on the increase in this community, but it’s following the pattern. We call it the stroke belt and there is a lot of obesity, ”said Eisa.

Additional weight affects the passage of air during sleep, causing loud snoring and breathing will stop and start again several times.

Eisa calls it the obesity pandemic, which is not just a local problem but a problem across the country. And there is the toll from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Insomnia and stress, along with the COVID situation, a lot of people are suffering from insomnia. They are worried, tension and stress affect them. Insomnia is becoming a bigger problem, ”said Eisa.

An ongoing hectic cycle, Eisa said after the study ended, helps the patient find treatment suitable for their diagnosis.

It can range from lifestyle changes to sleeping pills and medications.

The Sleep Center was recently accredited by the United States Health Care Commission.

References are required for a sleep study and appointments for sleep tests are available.

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