Renfrew Victoria Hospital Sleep Disorders Laboratory is dedicated to helping people who suffer from sleep disorders - specifically Sleep Apnea.
The Renfrew Lab is affiliated with the Ottawa Hospital, Civic Site, Sleep Lab. Dr. Judith Leech, Respirologist, at the Civic Campus, is the Medical Director in charge of the program at both locations. In addition, Dr. Leech sees Sleep Apnea patients at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital clinic on a monthly basis and provides follow-up care when necessary.
The Renfrew Sleep Lab services all of Renfrew County and is the only Sleep Lab in operation between Ottawa, North Bay and Kingston.
The clinic is located on the third floor of the hospital, and has two private, air conditioned, comfortable rooms in which the tests are performed.
A qualified technician, with experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, and further training in Polysomnography, is present to setup and monitor the equipment and client throughout the night. Monitoring takes place from a fully computerized station which is equipped with the most up-to-date software available.
Once a diagnosis has been made, and if further intervention is required, the client may be called back to the clinic for evaluation of treatment.
How do you access the clinic?
A physician's referral is required to get an appointment at the Sleep Lab. This can be mailed for faxed to the Renfrew Victoria Hospital at 613-432-8649.
What happens when you come to the Sleep Lab?
When you arrive at Renfrew Victoria Hospital for testing, you must check in at the Switchboard in Emergency and present your Health Card. From there you will be directed to the Sleep Lab on the third floor of the Hospital. You will stay in one of our clinic rooms where a number of electrodes will be used to monitor your quality of sleep and respirations throughout the night.
Although the equipment necessary to monitor your sleep may seem cumbersome, it is our goal to make this experience as comfortable for you as possible. Most people have no trouble sleeping and some comment that they even slept better than usual. You will be wakened at about 6:00 a.m.
Testing available at the Sleep Laboratory
As stated previously, this Lab deals specifically with the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. Diagnostic studies, CPAP trials, and CPAP titration's are all performed at this Lab. MSLT's and MWT's are also conducted once a month during the day.
Preparing for the sleep study
All clients are requested to avoid alcohol and caffeine on the day of the test, as well as foregoing an afternoon nap if that is their usual routine. Otherwise, no specific preparation is necessary. You may eat and drink normally and should take all your routine medications.
What to bring
You must bring a list of all your medications, and your Health Card with you when you come to the lab.
You will need comfortable night wear, and should bring any times you may need in the morning such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.
When are we open?
The Sleep Lab is in operation six (6) nights a week. The staff work from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. but has a voice mail number where they can be reached. Calls will be returned promptly. The telephone number is 613-432-4851 extension 158.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Nightly snoring interrupted by pauses in breathing
- Falling asleep at school, work or while driving
- Loss of energy and fatigue
- Choking and gasping during sleep
- Restless sleep
- High blood pressure
- Neck size greater than 17 inches in men, 16 inches in women
- Depression
- Overweight
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Forgetfulness
- Morning headaches
- Sexual dysfunction
If you or someone you know snores nightly and has one or more of these characteristics, sleep apnea may be the cause. But only a sleep study can confirm this diagnosis. Your family doctor may refer you to a sleep lab for a sleep study and follow-up.
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