On September 16th, the Royal Highlands Plaza welcomed a new tenant to the shopping center at the northeast corner of Skillman and Royal.

But if you want to visit this new business, you'll have to stay up late.

Sleep Therapy Associates of Texas, known as STAT, recently hung their new sign which simply reads "Sleep," and they're here to help us Lake Highlanders get some zzz's.

Their hours are a bit unusual. You'll find them open from 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

But, since over 18 million Americans currently suffer from a range of sleep disorders, many undiagnosed, this is good news for local insomniacs.

STAT has been in operation since 2006 and currently has six locations throughout the metroplex.

This newest location will be known as Highlands Sleep Center, and STAT Director of Operations Jennifer Jarrett is excited about their move to Lake Highlands.

"Since many physicians refer their patients to us, we already have a good following," she says. "Highlands Sleep Center will be one of our larger facilities."

When patients walk into the new Highlands Sleep Center, they can anticipate undergoing a sleep study. Just like in the movies, the patients are hooked up to 64 wires, known as channels, attaching their body to a monitor.

The channels will be able to determine many things, from detecting airway obstructions to restless leg syndrome, to the most common sleep disorder, Apnea.

Apnea triggers pauses in breathing that occur repeatedly throughout the sleep cycle. Symptoms include the most obvious, snoring, as well as a lack of energy, headaches and dry mouth.

Additionally, weight considerations factor into the disorder.

Another disorder that will be addressed at the center is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, known as COPD.

COPD is a lung condition that makes it increasingly difficult for a person to breathe.

Symptoms of COPD can include becoming easily fatigued and suffering shortness of breath. Solutions might include respiratory treatments, physical and occupational therapy, breathing exercises and retraining, and nutritional counseling.

Because Highlands Sleep Center wants to provide an accurate diagnosis, they make sure that when patients come in, they feel as comfortable as possible. To that end, each room includes televisions, fans and appropriate lighting.

According to Jarrett, a grand opening is anticipated but a date has not yet been determined. Until then, just look for the giant "Sleep" sign, which is set on a timer to be lit every day at sundown.

For more information about Highlands Sleep Center, visit http://www.statmanagement.net or call 214-771-0117.

You might just end up having some very sweet dreams!