Sleep Medicine at GBMC
RECALL NOTICE
We have been notified by Philips Respironics (“Philips”) of their recall of many CPAP/BIPAP machines/mechanical ventilator devices. You should be contacted by the manufacturer or your equipment supplier regarding this recall. However, we want to be sure GBMC also provides you with notice of this recall that may potentially affect you.
Working collaboratively with primary care physicians as well as specialists like pulmonologists and endocrinologists to ensure comprehensive care
GBMC's Sleep Medicine physicians assess, diagnose and treat adults who experience ongoing difficulty falling asleep, maintaining sleep or who exhibit excessive sleepiness during waking hours. If a sleep study is necessary, they refer patients to the Sleep Center at GBMC, a home-like setting located within the hospital where sleep pattern data is collected by certified technicians.
Our Services
A variety of treatments are available for patients who suffer from sleep disorders:
- Sleep studies at GBMC's Sleep Center
- Behavior Modification techniques
- Nasal CPAP/BiPAP Machines
- Nasal CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the most commonly prescribed therapy for patients who have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. The patient is fitted with a nasal mask that is worn during sleep. This mask is attached via tubing to a small generator that sits at the bedside and directs pressure to the mask. When fitted correctly and with proper pressure, this therapy alleviates any blockage in the nasal or oral passages that may lead to obstruction of the airway, thereby relieving apneas during sleep.
- Nasal BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) is another common therapy very similar to nasal CPAP. Unlike nasal CPAP, during which the pressure is delivered "continuously," patients on nasal BiPAP will have a certain pressure delivered during inspiration and a lesser pressure during exhalation. This therapy can prove helpful to patients who have other pulmonary problems by assisting breathing during sleep.
- Medications and Surgical Procedures: Treatment of sleep disorders using medication or surgery is not common, but several options are available for carefully selected patients.
Understanding Insomnia
Dr. Raya Wehbeh from GBMC talks to WBAL-TV about tips for people with insomnia.
Do I Have A Sleep Disorder?
TAKE THE ASSESSMENT NOW
Behavior Modification
Patients are encouraged to practice good sleep habits like the following:
- Avoid excessive daytime napping.
- Have set wake-up times and bedtimes.
- Avoid extended periods of time in bed.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine in the period prior to bedtime.
- Avoid exercise too close to bedtime.
- Avoid engaging in exciting or emotionally upsetting activities close to bedtime.
- Avoid use of bed for non-sleep activities (e.g., watching television, reading, studying, eating, etc.).
- Make the bed as comfortable as possible (comfortable mattress, adequate blankets).
- Sleep in a comfortable environment (not too bright, too stuffy, too cluttered, too hot, too cold).
- Avoid performing activities that demand high levels of concentration before bed.
- Try to avoid allowing mental activities such as thinking, planning or reminiscing to occur in bed.
