Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. While underreported, awareness of how good sleep can impact overall health has increased over the years. Sleep Medicine at Speare Memorial Hospital brings access to “better sleep” to the greater Plymouth area under the direction of Dr. George Neal, medical director. Home sleep tests are also offered. Sleep Medicine is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Sleep apnea has been linked to increased risks of:

• High blood pressure
• Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
• Congestive heart failure
• Pulmonary hypertension

Referred patients would first have a consultation with Dr. Neal, then schedule an overnight sleep study to diagnose or rule out sleep apnea or other chronic sleep disorders including periodic limb movement of sleep, REM sleep behavior disorder, and narcolepsy.