For Immediate Release
May 15, 2007
Contact: Donna Sellmann
(732) 530-2282
dsellmann@meridianhealth.com

RIVERVIEW'S SLEEP CENTERS HELP PATIENTS GET THEIR LIVES BACK ON TRACK

Sleep Disorders Compromise Health, Quality of Life

Red Bank, NJ - At age 35, Anthony Caviglia of Shrewsbury found himself fighting multiple bouts of bronchitis and decided to see a pulmonary specialist. The doctor sensed right away that a sleep disorder could be the underlying cause of his health problems.

Anthony didn't recall having trouble sleeping, but he had been told that he snored terribly for more than 15 years. There were other signs that went unnoticed. He often woke up with calf muscles that were so stiff that he struggled to walk each morning. He regularly felt tired and his family even joked that he could fall into a deep sleep anywhere, anytime, in a matter of seconds. He'd nod off while reading a book to his children or while at work. Even more frightening, Anthony would find himself falling asleep behind the wheel of his car and would have to pull over to the side of the road to rest on a frequent basis.

Anthony visited Adrian M. Pristas, M.D., a board certified pulmonologist at Riverview Medical Center. Dr. Pristas suggested that he get tested for sleep apnea. "I was amazed at how sensitive Dr. Pristas was to this condition," recalls Anthony. "He suspected it immediately and sent me for a sleep study."

Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that is quite common. "Sleep apnea can be associated with heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure," says Dr. Pristas. "There are also social implications, like poor work performance, stress at home and the potential for car accidents."

Riverview Medical Center offers two locations for sleep studies; the Sleep Disorder Center located within the Medical Center and the Snoring and Sleep Disorder Center in Holmdel. Rooms are outfitted with private bathrooms, televisions, carpeting, and full sized beds, in a warm and comfortable setting. Anthony had his study performed within the medical center. "The room was dynamite," he says. "I was expecting a regular hospital room, but it was just like being at home."

Upon arriving at the Center at 9 p.m., Anthony was hooked up to the monitoring equipment and went to sleep. By 1 a.m., the technician had seen enough and woke Anthony. His apnea was so severe that he stopped breathing 60 times per hour. He was immediately placed on a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine for the remainder of the night.

CPAP is a procedure in which the patient wears a mask over the nose during sleep, and pressure from an air blower forces air through the nasal passages. Anthony admits it took some getting used to, but his first full night using CPAP was the first time he woke up without leg cramps because his body was finally getting enough oxygen.

Anthony now uses CPAP every night and credits it to improving almost all aspects of his life. His ability to sleep well now means that he has great energy levels throughout the day, which makes for quality time with his family and being more efficient at work. His new found energy has led to increased activity, which resulted in a 30 pound weight loss and overall better health.

"Dr. Pristas and the CPAP machine changed my life," says Anthony. "The benefits are limitless."

Community Invited to Learn More About Sleep Disorders

The community is invited to a free seminar, "Are You Losing Sleep over Losing Sleep?" Guest speaker and chief of the department of pulmonology at Riverview Medical Center, John Royall, M.D., will present an informative program on the various types of sleep disorders and treatment options. The program will take place on Wednesday, May 23 at 7 p.m. in Riverview's Blaisdell Auditorium. The program is free and registraion can be made by calling 1-800-560-9990.

In addition to having two convenient sleep centers, Riverview Medical Center offers a Sleep Disorders Support Group for patients and their loved ones. Call (732) 530-2314 for details.

Riverview Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health Family, is a non-profit community hospital located in Red Bank, New Jersey, providing health care programs and services in all major medical disciplines, including maternity; oncology; orthopedics and rehabilitation; general, neuro, thoracic and vascular surgery; cardiology; renal dialysis; diabetes management; and emergency and critical care services. Riverview's Booker Cancer Center is an affiliate of the renowned Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, and Riverview is home to the only fully accredited acute comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation center in Monmouth County. In addition, its Women Center and Childbirth Center specialize in the full spectrum of needs for the body, mind and spirit.For more information about Riverview Medical Center and Meridian Health, please call the Meridian Health Line at 1-800-560-9990 or visit www.meridianhealth.com.

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