Sleep
Center

Call our office today so we can design the right sleep program for you. Nevada Heart and Vascular Center is proud to be an officially accredited center by The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Super Bowl champion Aaron Taylor talks about his struggles with sleep apnea and how the diagnosis helped change his life.

• Diagnostic Sleep Study
• CPAP Titration Study
• CPAP Follow-up Clinic
• Inspire Evaluation and Follow-up

Why does a cardiologist have a sleep medicine program?
Events occurring during sleep, especially disordered breathing, have a major effect on the remainder of the day. In fact, obstructive sleep apnea is a prime contributor to refractory hypertension, to heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation, and to congestive heart failure. These three conditions are commonly managed by cardiologists. It makes no sense to treat these conditions without addressing the underlying problem.

Dr. Steljes is one of a handful of cardiologists nationwide who have recognized this connection and have integrated sleep medicine into the cardiology practice. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the subspecialty of sleep medicine.

Sleep apnea is caused by an obstruction in the upper airway usually at the back of the throat. Patients manage well during the day but at nighttime and especially during sleep are prone to some collapse of the upper airway making it difficult to move sufficient air in and out. As a consequence, oxygen levels fall and sleep quality is impaired. Patients awaken without feeling refreshed and feel excessively tired and sleepy during the day.

Every patient who is new to the practice is evaluated for sleep apnea with a simple questionnaire and with the physical examination. Patients who appear to have sleep apnea may require a sleep study.

Our sleep lab is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. In fact, it is the only accredited lab in Henderson and one of a very few in the Las Vegas Valley. The lab is quiet, comfortable and private.

Sleep apnea is a treatable condition. Treatment is targeted at keeping the airway open. The commonest treatment is CPAP. The principle is very simple. We use air pressure to keep the airway from collapsing. This treatment has been available for many years and is in widespread use. However, our practice is the only one which provides CPAP followup. By supporting patients in the transition phase and trouble shooting issues, most patients have been effectively treated. Effective therapy can be life changing by improving the quality of sleep and restoring energy during the day.

Other treatment options include a dental appliance or surgery. We maintain relationships with experienced dentists and surgeons if these options are required.

We have two convenient locations in Southern Nevada.