The Sleep Respiratory Service is a facility which investigates sleep-related disorders in patients with neurological disease. In general, patients are referred from consultant physicians within the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. The investigation of parasomnias and insomnia is not performed.
Conditions treated include respiratory dysfunction due to:
- stroke
- myasthenia gravis
- chronic inflammatory neuropathy
- adult muscular dystrophies and myopathies.
Approximately 600 patients per year undergo home sleep studies. The average waiting time from referral to treatment is 11 to 12 weeks.
Mrs Helen Eddleston - Clinical Nurse Specialist Sleep Study Service - coordinates the day-to-day running of the service.
Patients undergo a sleep study at home and the results of the study are subsequently analysed. Patients are then seen in the outpatient department when the results are discussed with them. If respiratory support at night is deemed appropraite, this is set up during the outpatient appointment. Regular follow-up is carried out subsequently.