Sleep Medicine

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Access to the expertise you need

It’s no secret that lack of sleep can prove detrimental to physical, mental, and emotional health. Hackensack Meridian Health patients suffering from sleep disorders receive the expertise of board-certified sleep medicine physicians and trained sleep technologists, including diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care and education. Our physicians will ensure you have access to sleep experts skilled in treatment options, as well as a host of specialty and supportive programs.

Adrian Pristas, M.D. Corporate Medical Sleep Director of Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Sleep Medicine discusses sleep disorders, studies and the importance of sleep on overall health and wellbeing.

Pediatric
Studies show that children with sleep disorders are more likely to have behavioral issues, and that treatment can lead to significant improvement in both behavior and school performance. Pediatric sleep services are available at Hackensack Meridian Health. Under the care of Chee Tan, M.D., a board-certified pediatric sleep specialist and pulmonologist, our patients are ensured the utmost care, compassion and expertise. Our team of sleep experts will help determine if your child has a sleep disorder, or another type of neurological condition.

The Hackensack Meridian Health Pediatric Center for Sleep Medicine at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital is the first pediatric sleep program in the region and is backed by research and dedication from our physicians and nurses.

Contact your pediatrician for a referral if your child is experiencing:

• Snoring
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — difficulty breathing while asleep, blockage of airflow
• Restless legs syndrome
• Difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep
• Napping problems
• Reversal of sleep-wake timings (sleeping during the day, awake at night)
• Sleeping until late hours in the morning/afternoon on weekends
• Napping problems/Excessive daytime sleepiness
• ADHD
• Behavioral problems

While some children with sleep problems do outgrow them as they get older, sleep related symptoms can be persistent and troublesome. In some cases, they may even be signs of a serious sleep disorder. In children, sleep problems can be successfully diagnosed and treated through careful assessment and development of a personalized treatment plan.

Pregnancy

The physical, psychological, and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can lead to fatigue and sleep problems. Pregnant women are also at risk for developing sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders can be made worse during pregnancy. Treatment can provide relief for pregnant women and improve their overall health.

Through the entire pregnancy, women need to make sure that they get enough sleep.

• Go to bed and wake up at the same times every day
• Avoid things that cause stress
• Sleeping pills and alcohol should not be used during pregnancy
• Muscle relaxation techniques may be a big help in leading to better sleep
• It is important for a woman to maintain a balanced diet while she is pregnant

Diagnosis and treatment can provide relief for pregnant women and improve their overall health

Pre-Operative Evaluation

Sleep testing observes breathing patterns and checks for possible airway-related problems that may affect surgery and recovery outcomes.

Heart Disease

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, heart rhythm problems, and stroke. Obstructive sleep apnea causes people to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs. These pauses put strain on the heart and can lead to serious conditions. Treatment can reduce the risk of these problems.