Apple Valley Medical Clinic inaugurates new Sleep Center to provide quality care

The Apple Valley Medical Clinic has opened a new Sleep Center, located at 15100 Galaxie Avenue in Apple Valley. The center, under the medical direction of Scott Benson, M.D., a family medicine physician with the Apple Valley Medical Clinic, offers preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. It is a collaboration between the clinic and Robert McCoy RRT, owner of Valley Inspired Products and an expert in the treatment of sleep disorders and the equipment used for this purpose. St. Paul Lung Clinic, which provides specialty care on the Apple Valley Medical Center campus, will also provide follow up and quality care to Sleep Center patients.

"As the population ages, there is a growing need for sleep care," said Benson. "Sleep disorders involve more than annoying snoring. They can include narcolepsy (excessive sleepiness), restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, which affects 18 million people in the United States, occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep, narrowing the airway and impairing breathing. Essentially, people with this condition suffocate many times for small periods of time through the night, and this can lead to more serious health problems, including migraines, heart failure and stroke."

The Sleep Center can perform up to six sleep studies (polysomnograms) a week. "Our goal is quality, not quantity," said Benson. "We hope to reduce costs by introducing sleep screeners, as not everyone needs a complete sleep study."

"Most people recognize when they have a problem with the quality of their sleep," said McCoy, "and yet are hesitant to take action. We provide education and information on options to understanding sleep diagnosis and therapy. Valley Inspired Products, Inc. conducts research on sleep products and services, and we intend to apply our knowledge to the benefit of the patients coming to the Apple Valley Medical Clinic's Sleep Center."

"People sleep a third of their life," said Benson. "When sleep is interrupted, it affects a person's quality of life." Because of its connection to the Apple Valley Medical Clinic, the Sleep Center offers patients extensive consultation and after care for sleep-related disorders. "We help people treat their sleep disorders using a wide variety of techniques including behavioral treatments to help lose weight, oral appliances, continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) devices and ENT consultation when warranted," he added.

"The Apple Valley Medical Center already provides a wide range of medical services," said Mike Foley, Administrator and Chief Operating Officer of the Apple Valley Medical Clinic. "Offering a Sleep Center is just one more way we can help to enhance the health of this community."