The Sleep Disorder Center at the AUBMC is a highly specialized facility for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with problems related to sleep and wakefulness. The Sleep Disorders Center is run by specialists who are American Board certified in the fields of pulmonary medicine and sleep studies.
Tips for a Good Night's Sleep
- Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule, including weekends
- Go to sleep when you feel sleepy
- Create a quiet, comfortable, and cool environment
- Sleep on comfortable mattress and pillows
- Use your bed room only for sleep, it is advised to take work materials, computers, and televisions out of your sleep facility
- Do not smoke and avoid utilization of all tobacco products close to bedtime
- Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea) and chocolate close to bedtime
- Avoid alcohol close to bedtime. It can lead to disrupted sleep later in the night
- Do not nap during the day
- Relax for a while before going to bed
- Do not eat a large and a heavy meal before bedtime. However, bedtime snacks can help; it is advised to have milk, turkey, or peanuts, this helps the brain produce serotonin this induces relaxation and helps you sleep
- Exercise regularly, but not right before bedtime
Most Common Sleep Disorders
- Sleep apnea means episodes of cessation of breathing during night time sleep that may occur as often as several hundred times a night. Snoring is one symptom of sleep apnea.
- Narcolepsy is a disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and periods of muscle weakness called cataplexy.
- Insomnia is a very common sleep disorder that keeps the person awake and causes sleep deprivation.
- Sleep paralysis is a natural bodily function that causes us to be paralyzed during sleep. When it follows us into the waking state it becomes a disorder.
- Snoring disturbs the person's sleep and the sleep of any one who is in the same room.
How Are Sleep Disorders Diagnosed?
The evaluation process starts with an initial consultation at the specialist clinic. In many cases one visit is sufficient for a diagnosis to be made and a treatment plan formulated. However, for some patients more extensive testing is required.
One of the studies performed is the all- night sleep study. The study is a painless technique by which physiological functions in sleep are measured. Once a patient is assessed and a one night sleep study is requested. The patient would spend one night in a private and comfortable suite during which a series of measurements are taken with highly advanced monitoring devices. Patients arrive at the medical center at 8:00 pm in the evening and leave at 7:00 am in the morning. The study results are recorded and reviewed by our expert specialists.
In addition to the one night polysomnography the sleep center provides:
- TAT titration with polysomnography
- Split Night polysomnography
- MSLT(Multiple Sleep Latency Testing)
Referral and Admission
The process for patient admission to the sleep disorder center is as follow:
- Patient visits the private clinics for consultation
- Specialist recommends a sleep study evaluation as an outpatient
- Physician prepares admission papers
- Admission papers to Room 415 or 416 prepared via the SDC technician
- on the same day of the admission
- 24 or 48 hours prior to admission
- Note: ID of patient + all demographic data, + insurance coverage if applicable are needed to process admission papers
- Technician receives the patient in the Emergency Department (ED) waiting area at around 8:00 pm with the previously prepared admission papers and escorts him to the sleep center
Faculty
- Ahmad Husari, MD
- Pierre Bou Khalil, MD
Contact Us
Tel: 00961 1 350000 or 374374, ext: 6828