The Sleep Disorders Center at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro and Marion have recently earned the highly prized designation of program accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the premier accrediting body for sleep medicine.

Staff at the Sleep Disorders Center can diagnose and treat over 80 different sleep disorders. They are professionals in their field and they are registered polysomnographers and registered respiratory therapists. Sleep studies are available six nights a week at the center. The program at St. Joseph is under the medical direction of Terry M. Brown, DO, a board certified sleep specialist, a Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a published researcher in sleep medicine. Dr. Brown also provides sleep medicine consultations with patients.

“Accreditation means that the Sleep Disorders Center meets the standards of excellence of the AASM in terms of the breadth of conditions diagnosed, the high quality of the sleep studies, the quality of the physical plant, the qualifications of the personnel and the comprehensive follow-up provided to patients who receive care at the Sleep Disorders Center,” says Dr. Brown.

It is estimated that up to 35% of adults have an occasional sleep problem. Of that figure, an estimated 15% have chronic sleep problems. Sleep disorders may either be primary (unrelated to any other disorder, medical or psychological) or secondary (the result of a physical illness, psychological disorder such as depression, drug or alcohol use, stress, or lifestyle factors). Sleep disorders cross all lines of age, gender, or race/ethnic background.

To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed the high bar of excellence for professional quality health care as designated by the Academy. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine accreditation process involves detailed inspection of a center’s facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contracts, and physician training. Additionally, the facility’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is a professional membership organization dedicated to ensuring quality care for patients with sleep disorders; promoting the advancement of sleep research; and providing public and professional education.

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