Sleep Medicine

Get a better night’s sleep and improve your well-being. Partner with the experts at UNC Health Nash to improve your sleep health—so you live healthier and feel more awake and energized in your daily life.

Why is Sleep Important?

When you don’t get enough good-quality sleep, it affects your physical, mental, emotional, and social health. For children and teens, sleep also impacts growth and development.

Sleep Disorders We Treat

Turn to the sleep experts at UNC Nash for diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of adult and pediatric sleep problems, including:

• Insomnia – Inability to fall sleep or stay asleep
• Narcolepsy – Excessive daytime drowsiness and tendency to fall asleep at inappropriate times
• Periodic limb movement disorder – Involuntary movement of arms or legs during sleep
• Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder – Acting out dreams while asleep
• Restless legs syndrome – Strong desire to move legs accompanied by unpleasant “creepy-crawly” sensations in the legs
• Sleep apnea – Breathing is blocked or partly blocked while you sleep

Your Sleep Experts

Trust our team for high-quality sleep disorder care in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Our staff includes:

• Board-certified sleep medicine doctor – Specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders
• Board-certified sleep technologists – Perform polysomnography and other tests that help your doctor diagnose sleep disorders

Diagnosing Sleep Disorders

If you experience symptoms of a sleep disorder, talk to your primary care provider. He or she may recommend a sleep study—a test that records what happens to your body during sleep. Depending on your symptoms and overall health, you may take a home sleep test or you may stay at the UNC Nash Sleep Disorder Center. Ask your doctor about the best test for you.

Sleep Lab in Rocky Mount

Stay close to home for your sleep study when you choose the sleep lab at UNC Nash Sleep Disorders Center. Rely on us for high-quality diagnostic services and patient-centered care.

Scheduling Your Sleep Study

Let us know when you normally sleep—especially if you work second or third shift. We’ll schedule your sleep study during the time you usually sleep so you get the most accurate results and best treatment.

Your Sleep Study: What to Bring

Pack an overnight bag, just as you would if you were staying overnight at a hotel. Bring:

• Previsit Sleep Packet [PDF]
• Comfortable pajamas
• Any medications you need to take
• Toiletries, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste
• Reading materials and/or a tablet or laptop computer
• Your pillow, if preferred
• Clean clothes for the next day

Children getting sleep tests may bring bottles, pacifiers, diapers, blankets, and toys. One parent must stay with any child under 18 years old.

Your Sleep Study: What to Expect

Spend the night in a comfortable, hotel-like room with a bed, private bathroom, cable television, and Wi-Fi. Before you go to bed, a sleep technologist will place sensors on your head and body to monitor you while you’re asleep. You’ll be able to move around as usual.

When you wake up, you can use your private bathroom to shower and get ready for your day. Enjoy a light breakfast at the sleep center.

Getting Your Results

Results of your sleep study are usually ready in four to five business days. We’ll send your results to your referring doctor’s office.

Insurance Coverage for Sleep Tests

Most insurance plans cover our sleep tests. Contact your insurance provider to ask about your coverage.

Sleep Disorder Treatments

Partner with your care team to create a treatment plan to help you sleep easier. Your plan will depend on your condition, goals, lifestyle, and preferences. Common treatment options include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, or modifying your diet or exercise habits
• Behavioral therapy that helps you build habits that support good sleep
• Medications
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines that keep your airway open as you sleep
• Surgery