Waterbury Hospital Opens

 Sleep Lab In Middlebury

MIDDLEBURY — Responding to an increasing need for an improved sleep lab experience, flexibility in testing times and shorter wait times for appointments, the Regional Sleep Laboratory of Waterbury Hospital has moved to a new, larger location at 1625 Straits Turnpike at the Middlebury Edge Medical Building.

The new sleep evaluation facility is geared to helping patients get a good rest during their study. “We now we have a more patient-friendly environment for testing,” said Charles Polnitsky, MD, medical director of the Regional Sleep Lab. “Some patients bring along their laptops to keep up with some work before the testing begins, while others relax in recliners and watch TV. It’s easy for patients to shower in their private bathroom and be back home or at work in plenty of time to resume their daily routine.”

Testing takes place daily from 7 pm to 6 am. Most insurances are accepted, including Medicare. For an appointment or more information, call 203-598-7399.

Over the past decade, sleep medicine has become a distinct specialty and the demand for sleep studies, or polysomnographies, has exceeded capacity at  the Waterbury Hospital facility. “The typical patient was once an older, overweight male who snored and experienced daytime sleepiness,” explained Dr Polnitsky.

“Today, the sleep lab serves men and women of all ages, and even children. Some present with snoring issues, while others are unaware that they have sleep apnea, a dangerous breathing disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep, or a variety of other sleep disturbances, including insomnia, narcolepsy, nocturnal seizure disorders, abnormal behavior during sleep, and daytime fatigue without an obvious cause.

“One especially common condition that affects all ages is restless leg syndrome, which only recently has been identified as a neurological disorder that can severely hamper achieving and maintaining sleep,” added Dr Polnitsky. “Special monitors used during the sleep test can identify this problem, which may accompany sleep apnea or appear on its own. There are a large number of people with more than one diagnosis.”

Dr Polnitsky explained that both conditions — sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome — must be treated if patients are to regain refreshing nighttime sleep and full wakefulness during the day.

The new facility also includes office space where Dr Polnitsky meets with patients for consultations about their sleep-related difficulties. “Sometimes testing has to be delayed until diet, medication, or lifestyle issues preventing sleep have been ruled out. For example, it may be necessary to reduce excessive caffeine intake before a meaningful study can be done,” he said.

Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital also have sleep labs.