Struggling to Sleep? Local Sleep Center Relaunch Brings New Services and Expertise

Mary Curtis & Nicole GrahamBy Mary Curtis, RRT, AE-C, CPFT, COPD Educator

 

Do you have trouble falling asleep—or staying asleep? Do you wake up feeling exhausted, even after seven or eight hours of rest? If so, you’re not alone. Sleep issues affect millions of Americans and can have a significant impact on overall health and quality of life.

St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health are excited to announce the relaunch of their Sleep Center, bringing expanded services, updated equipment, and nationally recognized accreditation to the local community.

For the past four years, the Sleep Center has partnered with Rural Health Solutions to provide sleep studies and high‑quality care to patients throughout the region. The program has now reached an important milestone: accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). This designation reflects a commitment to the highest standards of patient care, safety, and clinical excellence.

The Sleep Center continues to collaborate with Dr. Elchin Zeynalov and has invested in new, state‑of‑the‑art diagnostic equipment to better serve patients. Recently, sleep staff from both facilities completed hands‑on training with specialists from Nihon Kohden, ensuring they are fully prepared to use the updated technology. Staff members even participated in test studies themselves to build confidence and ensure patient comfort throughout the process.

Meet the Sleep Center Team

Mary Curtis, Manager of Cardiopulmonary and Sleep Services, has been with Clearwater Valley Health for 20 years, serving as both a respiratory therapist and department manager.
“Great sleep helps you do more in your life without feeling drained all the time,” Curtis said. “We’re excited to relaunch the sleep lab with state‑of‑the‑art equipment that allows us to diagnose disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, among others.”

Nicole Graham joined the team after initially working with Rural Health Solutions. A respiratory therapist for 17 years and a Navy veteran of nine years, Graham holds additional credentials as a Sleep Disorder Specialist, which requires advanced training and testing. Her experience and expertise significantly strengthen the Sleep Center’s daytime clinical operations.

Trey Taylor began his career at Clearwater Valley Health in 2023 as a unit clerk. Known for his friendly personality and ability to put patients at ease, Taylor transitioned into sleep services after completing extensive online training and in‑person instruction with sleep technicians at Clearwater Valley Health and Tri‑State Hospital. He now brings professionalism—and a sense of humor—to patients three nights a week.

Why Sleep Matters

Quality sleep is essential to long‑term health. Patients with untreated or poorly controlled obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) face higher risks for:

  • Heart attack and heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation (A‑fib)
  • Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
  • Cognitive challenges, including brain fog, memory issues, poor concentration, mood changes, and depression

Sleep also plays a vital role in daily functioning:

  • Brain cleanup: During sleep, the brain removes toxins that accumulate during the day
  • REM sleep: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep accounts for 20–25% of total sleep and is when most dreaming occurs
  • Signs of good sleep quality: Falling asleep within 10–15 minutes, waking feeling rested, and minimal nighttime awakenings

Healthy Sleep Habits

While good sleep hygiene won’t treat sleep apnea, it can improve sleep quality for many people. Helpful tips include:

  • Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day
  • Avoiding screens 30–60 minutes before bedtime
  • Keeping the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool
  • Limiting large meals, caffeine, and alcohol within three hours of bedtime
  • Avoiding vigorous exercise within three hours of bedtime

If you suspect a sleep disorder or are struggling with poor sleep, talk with your primary care provider. The team at St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health looks forward to helping community members rest easier and live healthier lives.