We Want the Sleep You Keep to be Deep!

Mission Statement: Human beings spend approximately one third of their lifetime asleep. Research in the last 30 years demonstrates that a large number of human ailments are diagnosable only when we are asleep. The SLEEP LAB exists to provide a comfortable environment with a well trained staff to diagnose and treat the full range of disorders that present during sleep. Our staff will be courteous and accommodating to the needs of all patients and pursue diagnosis and treatment in accordance with the guidelines established by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Call the Snorebusters at  704-480-ZZZZ today!

Fax number 704-482-8311

Symptoms of sleep disorders: Waking up tired, any snoring, morning headaches, difficulty staying awake during the day, irritability, forgetfulness, sexual dysfunction, depression.

The Following Test was Designed to Identify Individuals Who May be Suffering from a Sleep Disorder

0 = would never doze                                                                                                                                

1 = slight chance of dozing

2 = moderate chance of dozing

3 = high chance of dozing

Situation:                                                                  Chance of Dozing                                   

Sitting and reading                                                              0  1  2  3

Watching TV                                                                      0  1  2  3

Sitting inactive in a public place                                           0  1  2  3

As a passenger in a car for an hour straight                          0  1  2  3                                                           

Lying down to rest in the afternoon                                      0  1  2  3

Sitting and talking to someone                                             0  1  2  3

Sitting quietly at lunch (without alcohol)                                0  1  2  3

In a car while stopped for a few minutes in traffic                 0  1  2  3

Individuals who score above 10 are considered  excessively sleepy and may benefit from an evaluation for a sleep disorder

What to expect at the sleep lab: 

Upon arrival in the sleep lab you will be greeted by our courteous technicians and receive an overview of the events of the evening. You should wear comfortable clothes and bring with you any medications you would normally take in the evening. The study requires monitoring of the heart rhythm, oxygen level, brain wave pattern and movements of different parts of the body. If you have a favorite pillow or other item that is part of your evening routine bring that with you. You will be under observation in the bedroom by the technician from a remote site. Sometimes we find a serious problem in the lab and occasionally the protocol will change to begin treatment for sleep apnea by application of a nasal mask to increase airflow. Physicians are available 24 hrs a day should a problem arise though you may not see the physician on the night of the study. The study ends the following morning.

The technician will then review and score the study for evidence of breathing problems, heart rhythm disurbances, changes in oxygen level, changes in brainwave pattern and several other parameters. The study, once scored, gets reviewed by a physician who is trained in the management of sleep disorders. A summary of the study will be sent to the referring physician and/or follow-up will be scheduled with a sleep physician to review the study with you.

CPAP Treatment:

Individuals identified with significant sleep apnea will typically be treated with a nasal mask that connects to an air compressor generating a gentle flow of air through the nose, or nose and mouth (CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). This treatment restores the majority of individuals to a normal night's sleep. Sometimes dramatic improvement occurs after just one night sleeping with a mask. Occasionally it takes some work to get used to it. Our staff will be available to help with all aspects of the adjustment to CPAP

Billing information:   We accept most insurance including medicare and medicaid.

About our staff:

Gideon Besson MD: Director of  The Sleep Lab. Board Certified by The American Board of Sleep Medicine as well as Internal Medicine and Pulmonary&Critical Care medicine. Fellowship trained with The PENN Center for Sleep Disorders at the University of Pennsylvania

Barry E. Coalson MD: Sleep Physician board certified in Pulmonary&Critical care medicine as well as Internal Medicine

Kevin Klein MD: Neurologist, board certified in neurology and by the American Board of Sleep Medicine.

Michele Riffey RPSGT: Certified polysomnographer and supervising technician at The Sleep Lab.

Marianne Ferrell RPSGT: Certified polysomnographer with exensive experience in the fields of sleep medicine and neurodiagnostics.

David Massey: PSG technician with years of experience in the field of sleep medicine and specific experience in handling CPAP equipment.

Links to Doctors Offices:

Neurology: Kevin Klein MD

Carolina ENT Associates:

Pulmonary Disease: Gideon Besson MD and Barry E. Coalson MD (Shelby Medical Associates)

General Internal Medicine: 

Dental Appliances:

Cleveland Regional Medical Center:

Links for Further Information:

Sleep Societies:

David Massey

Marianne Ferrell

Michele Riffey

Links for Individuals Who Have Insomnia:

Piedmont Psychological Associates  Piedmont Psychological Associates has an excellent staff offering Cognitive Therapy for insomnia. They are well staffed to help individuals address a number of life challenges.