New State-of-the-Art Sleep Center in Ozaukee County

JoAnna E. Galezowska, M.D., Neurologist and Board Certified Sleep Specialist, Columbia St. Mary’s

Posted: April 1, 2007

Since it opened in 1984, Columbia St. Mary’s accredited Regional Sleep Disorders Center in Milwaukee has treated nearly 20,000 Wisconsin residents. When our second Sleep Disorders Center opens at Lakeside Commons, 11725 N. Port Washington Road in Mequon later this April, thousands more Wisconsinites can expect help getting a good night’s sleep.

It’s estimated that 40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders. The spectrum ranges from mild jet lag to catastrophic insomnia. According to the National Center on Sleep Disorders, untreated sleep disorders can reduce daytime productivity, increase people’s risk of accidents, and put people at risk for illness and even early death.

The sleep disorders that will be treated at the new Mequon location include sleep apnea, somnolence, parasomnia and insomnia. Like Columbia St. Mary’s Milwaukee sleep center, the new Mequon center will include a highly skilled staff experienced in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.

In addition, the center will be outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment to accurately diagnose sleep problems. To create an optimal sleep environment, the Mequon sleep center has been designed to mimic a comfortable, home setting. All of the sleeping rooms in the new center will feature Select Comfort custom mattresses and amenities such as wireless Internet access and cable television.

Patients treated at the Columbia St. Mary’s Sleep Disorders Center typically are referred by their primary care physician, psychiatrist or a medical specialist who is treating them for another health problem such as hypertension or heart disease. Left untreated, sleep disorders can cause adverse health problems and vascular complications.

One of the most common sleep disorders the new sleep center will treat is sleep apnea, which is characterized by persistent loud snoring at night and daytime sleepiness. People who suffer from sleep apnea may also experience frequent long pauses in breath during sleep, followed by choking and gasping for breath. People with sleep apnea don't get enough restful sleep, and their daytime performance and overall health is often seriously affected. However, sleep apnea can be effectively treated, enabling patients to live a normal life.

Insomnia, another common sleep disorder, occurs when people get too little or poor-quality sleep. The condition includes a range of symptoms from trouble falling asleep, to frequent night waking and trouble returning to sleep, to waking too early in the morning, and not feeling well rested even after sleeping seven to eight hours at night.


Once a sleep disorder is diagnosed, we generally require patients to return for follow-up visits to determine if the prescribed therapy has been effective in treating their sleep issues.

Although sleep disorders are prevalent in American society, victims frequently go undiagnosed or are underdiagnosed. However, awareness continues to grow and society is slowly realizing the impact that poor sleep can have on overall health and daily living.

JoAnna E. Galezowska, M.D.
Neurologist and Board Certified Sleep Specialist
Columbia St. Mary’s
414-326-1745

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