Howard Young Medical Center Sleep Lab Reaches 10-Year Accreditation Milestone

(WOODRUFF, Wis.) – Howard Young Medical Center Sleep Lab in Woodruff has maintained accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for 10 consecutive years, demonstrating its commitment to the provision of high-quality care for people who have sleep problems.

“The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates Howard Young Medical Center Sleep Lab on continuing to meet the rigorous standards necessary to maintain accreditation for sleep services,” said AASM President Dr. Anita V. Shelgikar. “AASM accreditation is the gold standard in sleep care, reflecting a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered services that help people sleep better and live healthier lives.”

AASM-accredited sleep centers provide diagnostic and therapeutic care for people who have problems related to sleep and alertness. Sleep disorders include obstructive sleep apnea, chronic insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy.

“If you or a loved one is experiencing excessive tiredness or frequent snoring, it may be time to talk with your primary care provider about the benefits of a sleep study,” said Gary Nikolai, Manager, Aspirus Regional Sleep Disorders Center. “Our accredited sleep lab in Woodruff makes it convenient to get the care you need close to home—no need to travel to Rhinelander or Wausau.”

To receive and maintain accreditation for a five-year period, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the AASM. These standards address core areas such as personnel, facility and equipment, policies and procedures, data acquisition, patient care, and quality assurance. Additionally, the sleep center’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.

The AASM accredited a sleep disorders center for the first time in 1977. Today there are more than 2,300 AASM-accredited sleep centers across the country.

Howard Young Medical Center Sleep Lab is directed by James M. Cygan, MD, FAASM, and is located at 240 Maple St. in Woodruff.

The AASM is a medical society for physicians, researchers, and other health care professionals in the field of sleep medicine. As the national accrediting body for sleep disorders centers, the AASM advances sleep care and enhances sleep health to improve lives.

For more information about Howard Young Medical Center and Aspirus Health, visit aspirus.org.