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Sleep Facility

Overview

Investigators use the Sleep Facility to intensively study phenomena that occur partially or entirely during sleep or as a consequence of sleep deprivation. The Sleep Facility is closely integrated with the Cardiovascular Facility and both are directed by Virend Somers, M.D., Ph.D., making the Sleep Facility uniquely suited to study the interactions between sleep and cardiovascular disease.

Services and equipment

Overnight studies are conducted both in the Sleep Facility and in patient rooms in Saint Marys Hospital. Long-term inpatient studies are conducted in the Saint Marys CRU. In special situations, the facility can arrange off-site sleep studies. Facility personnel have extensive experience conducting studies combining cardiovascular and sleep physiology, and services are enhanced by dedicated bioengineering support.

Available equipment includes:

  • Monitoring equipment for comprehensive human polysomnographic studies
    • Compumedics E-series
    • Compumedics Siesta
  • Positive airway pressure modalities
    • Autotitrating continuous positive airway pressure
    • Bilevel positive airway pressure
    • Adaptive servoventilation

Accessing the facility

Investigators planning a new study in the Sleep Facility should discuss their protocol with Dr. Virend Somers, facility director.

Before using the facility, investigators must receive both Institutional Review Board (IRB) and CTSA approval (via the CRU section in IRBe). Once approvals are received, study teams work with Christelle van der Walt — the facility's sleep technologist — and CRU staff to schedule time in the facility.

Fees

Contact Carol McAlister at 507-266-0462 with questions about fees.

Location and hours

The Sleep Facility is located on Domitilla 5B within the Saint Marys CRU and is open 24/7, with the exception of Mayo Clinic-recognized holidays. To reach Sleep Facility staff after business hours, contact the Saint Marys CRU.

Contacts

Virend Somers, M.D., Ph.D.
Director

Christelle van der Walt
Sleep Technologist
507-255-0048 or 507-255-8795

  • ART799120