Latest Update from Rush Health Systems on COVID-19 Learn More 601.483.0011 Home Specialties & Services Sleep Centers Sleep Centers 601.703.1465 What is a Diagnostic Sleep Center? Our Diagnostic Sleep Centers specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep and breathing disorders. Our facilities provide private bedrooms to help ensure you feel at home during your night with us. Why would I need a Sleep Study? Sleep studies are used to assess the patient’s sleep for various sleep disorders that effect the patient’s mental and physical health. Symptoms of Sleep Disorders are commonly: Fatigue Restless sleep Morning headaches Snoring Reduced sex drive Irritability Inability to fall or stay asleep Lack of focus (School/work) Short term memory problems What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Obstructive Sleep Apnea "OSA" is the most common form of "sleep-disordered breathing", accounting for over 80% of our Sleep cases, and effecting an estimated 20 million adults in the United States. Upon falling asleep there is normally a relaxation of the body's musculature. At this point of the normal sleep process, patients with OSA experience a blockage of their airway, resulting in snoring as the air passes through these narrowed airways. As the airway fully relaxes and completely blocks the airflow – this cessation of breathing is called "apnea". The body's chemical response to this is called "fight or flight". As the brain senses the body is desperate for a breath to resupply its oxygen content – the patient often gasps and chokes as they are awakened. Often the sufferer does not realize the cycle – repeated every time they resume their effort to sleep. Why is it important to treat OSA? OSA, undiagnosed and untreated, exaggerates other health conditions (such as hypertension & congestive heart failure) and can be fatal. Lowered oxygen levels during sleep can cause heart dysrhythmia, hypertension, heart attack & stroke. Driving & work related accidents are equivalent to drunk driving statistics. OSA impacts glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetics are reported to have a 58% likelihood of having some form of sleep-disordered breathing. Resulting daytime fatigue, irritability & inability to focus or retain interest in life detracts from the patient's quality of life and success in work, school & relationships – negatively impacting the sufferer physically, emotionally & socially. Locations H.C. Watkins Sleep Center Located on Rush Meridian Campus 1100 17th Avenue, Meridian, MS Laird Hospital Sleep Center-Union Located inside Laird Hospital 25117 Highway 15, Union, MS Laird Hospital Sleep Center-Philadelphia Located in Rush Medical Clinic Philadelphia 1106 Central Drive, Philadelphia, MS Related Physicians Russell E. Belenchia, DO SPECIALTY Sleep Medicine LAIRD HOSPITAL 601.774.8214 Kary G. Whitehead, MD SPECIALTY Sleep Medicine SLEEP CENTERS 601.703.1465 Rush Health Systems 1314 19th Ave., Meridian, Mississippi 39301 Phone: 601.483.0011 Wi-Fi Rush offers free wireless internet access for our patients and visitors. Non-Discrimination Policy Accessibility Privacy Policy Copyright ©2021 Rush Health Systems. All rights reserved.