Assessments and Services for Individual Clients
“(I’ve had) difficulty falling and staying a sleep for over 25 years. I’ve tried sedatives, meditation, relaxation, hypnosis, alcohol, therapy with no results. Desperate for answers.”
The best answer for someone who wants to sleep better is actually a question. What is at the root of your sleep problem? Only by knowing the reason for not sleeping or staying asleep can the solution for better sleep be found.
Associated Sleep Services specializes in identifiying the symptoms of sleep disorders and root causes of sleep problems. We can then suggest options for you and your physician to consider for either diagnosis or treatment.
Sleep History/Assessment
The foundation of our service is the Sleep Assessment. The sleep assessment is an extended interview in our office. We do a health history, a sleep history and look for evidence of any sleep disorders. This information is critical in determining the root cause of your sleep problems and points to what can be done to help you sleep better.
Durint this appointment, we will explain what is happening with your sleep and why you may not be sleeping well or be tired all the time. We will also discuss the various diagnostic and treatment options that may be available to you.
We provide you and your physician with a report so that a diagnosis can be confirmed and treatment undertaken.
This assessment requires approximately 2 hours.
“You were very helpful. I’ve been doing as you suggested and it’s helping. I’m feeling more rested.” Marlene
“I wanted to thank you for your counselling and suggestions. When I woke up this morning, I realized that I had actually slept for about 4 hours at a stretch last night!! Jean
“I’m glad I came to see you. You gave me some good tools (to help me sleep better.)” Tanya
Who should have a sleep assessment?
Men, women, children or teens should have a sleep assessment if they
- have done the Self-test – “Do you have a sleep disorder?” – and answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions
- have heart problems, Type II diabetes, high blood pressure
- have depression or anxiety
- have Down’s syndrome
Children who have learning problems or behavioral problems such as hyperactivity or inattentiveness should also be assessed for a sleep disorder.
If you are a shiftworker and the usual measures to promote health and well-being do not have the desired results, you may have a sleep disorder and a sleep assessment is advised.
Sleep Apnea Testing
The usual way of diagnosing someone with sleep apnea is to have an overhight study done at a sleep clinic. However, many people are not able to access this service because of costs or long wait times.
If the assessment provides evidence of symptoms of sleep apnea, further evidence is required to indicate severity of the disorder and to confirm a diagnosis. We provide you with the equipment to complete the test while you sleep at home. We provide your physician with the test results so that a diagnosis can be confirmed and treatment undertaken.
Because you do not have to wait for a bed at an overnight sleep clinic, you can be diagnosed much more quickly. The sooner you are diagnosed, the sooner you can be treated.
Should I just go to a hospital sleep clinic if I am snoring?
Ideally, everyone who snores or has symptoms of sleep apnea would be diagnosed at the sleep clinic. However, if you live in Canada, the waiting times for these clinics can be very long. Patients who have a serious sleep problem are at risk for heart problems, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. They need to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. Research has shown that screening such as we provide can be effective in identifying and diagnosing patients prior to a complete sleep study. This allows them to be treated more quickly.
Insomnia Management
Solving the sleep problems of those who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep requires an extended period applying several interventions either simultaneously or consecutively. We assist you in this process so that you can more easily achieve your sleep goals. Appointments can be scheduled after the initial assessment.
Insomnia Group
Those who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep benefit from learning about sleep and strategies that would help them get the sleep they need. We offer 3 – 90 minute weekly group sessions.
Associated Sleep Services
(306) 975-1165