With consultations, treatment and good follow-up care, Ridgeview Sleep Disorders Center can help people get the sleep they need.

“Lack of sleep can cause fatigue, which can affect a person’s ability to be alert and productive. Fatigue can also create an increased risk of injury from accidents at work or behind the wheel of a motor vehicle,” said Dr. Ravi Vaela, director of Ridgeview Sleep Disorders Center and a board-certified sleep specialist. “Longer-term effects include a greater risk of hypertension, heart conditions and stroke.”

Ridgeview Sleep Disorders Center is one of only 19 sleep centers in the metro area accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The specialists there help people with prevalent sleep issues, including sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy and sleep walking.

Keys to Getting Healthy Sleep
In addition to providing effective treatments for sleep issues, Dr. Vaela believes that taking time to educate his patients at all levels can hold the key to healthy sleep, which he defines as the right amount of sleep to function normally.

“I enjoy interacting with my patients, educating them about how to live healthier and improve their lives,” said Dr. Vaela. “Having an open dialogue about their sleep issues helps patients feel more comfortable with their prognosis and the next steps they will take.”

After a thorough interview and consultation, if Dr. Vaela feels a patient’s sleep problem requires further investigation, he’ll recommend the patient go to the sleep lab for an overnight sleep study. Many times the Sleep Center staff can schedule this study that same day.

Sleep Study and Follow-Up Care
During the sleep study, polysomnographic technologists attach a variety of devices to the patient when he is ready to go to sleep. “We can observe the patient’s sleep patterns using these devices, which monitor brain waves, heart rate, eye movements, airflow and leg movements,” said Dr. Vaela.

Following a sleep study, the patient is scheduled to meet with Dr. Vaela for a follow-up consultation. He reviews the results of the study and develops a treatment plan. Treatments may include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), oral appliances, surgical procedures or medication.

A Rested Patient Is a Happier Patient
Dr. Vaela enjoys seeing happy, well-rested patients after getting positive results. “I’ve witnessed many lives that have improved ten-fold from our treatment at the Sleep Center,” said Dr. Vaela. “My goal is, and will continue to be, helping people to get the sleep they need and the quality of life they deserve.”

For more information about Dr. Vaela, click here.