BCHS Sleep Center awarded re-accreditation

Battle Creek Health System's Sleep Center at has received program re-accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional quality health care as designated by the Academy.

"The accreditation process involved a detailed inspection of the sleep center and our staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts, and physician training," Lynn Sharpe, service area manager of the BCHS Sleep Center. "There are more than 1,600 sleep medicine centers and laboratories accredited; BCHS is 1 of only 4 centers in Southwest Michigan to hold this designation. I believe that speaks volumes about the quality of our program and the dedication of the staff that provides it."

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, more than 40 million Americans suffer from some type of sleep disorder. Of that, about 95 percent go undiagnosed.

There are approximately 80 disorders of sleeping and waking. These disorders compromise your personal health, endanger the public safety by contributing to traffic and industrial accidents, and they can shorten your life. One of the most common of these afflictions is called sleep apnea. In this condition, a person stops breathing again and again during the night. Common symptoms are snoring, feeling non-refreshed when you get up, and daytime sleepiness.

Since you spend a third of your life sleeping, if you are not getting a good night's sleep, the other two thirds of your life will suffer as well! Sleep is not just a time out. It is essential for renewing not only your every-day physical health, but also your mental well-being. If the time you spend sleeping is not productive, you can expect your waking hours to be unproductive too.

The Battle Creek Health System Sleep Center, located in the Fieldstone Center on the corner of Washington Avenue and West Emmett Street opened in 1986 with only one bed. It has expanded to eight beds to meet the needs of its customers offering flexible hours and conducts sleep studies during the night and day so those who work nights can be tested during their regular sleep times. Pediatric sleep testing and services are also available.

The sleep center has large, comfortable rooms similar to hotel accommodations with full and queen-size beds, TV, and private bathroom and shower facilities.

Sleep studies at the BCHS Sleep Center are offered by referral from a physician only. If you think you have a sleep disorder, consult your primary health provider. When you do, describe your symptoms as clearly as possible. It might be helpful to have your bed partner help in describing your symptoms for the physician as well. Ask your physician if she or he thinks a sleep study would be helpful.

The sleep center director is a board-certified sleep physician. The highly skilled professional staff includes a nurse practitioner, registered polysomnographic sleep technologists, registered respiratory therapists, and registered electroencephalographic (EEG) technologists.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is dedicated to maintaining high medical standards in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. As part of this effort, the AASM has established accreditation guidelines that ensure patients receive quality care. AASM accreditation continues to be the gold standard for sleep programs. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is the pioneer in the area of sleep center accreditation and sets high standards that translate into quality patient care. This is reflected in the fact that in many states, third party payers require that sleep studies be performed at an AASM accredited facility for reimbursement.

If you have questions about sleep or how the sleep center might help you, call 964-5347.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.