Comprehensive Sleep Center Opens at Albert Einstein Medical Center
Help is Offered for Sleep Apnea, Other Sleep Disorders
Philadelphia, PA, May 14, 2007 -- Getting the sleep we need is essential for our good health and well-being. Sleep plays a significant role in our quality
of life because it impacts us physically, mentally and psychologically. Unfortunately, too many Americans do not sleep well
and wake up tired and unrefreshed. Sleep is also a major safety issue since it’s estimated that at least seven percent of
traffic accidents are due to driver fatigue.
Help is available for a wide range of sleep disorders at the newly-opened Albert Einstein Sleep Center directed by pulmonologist
Ganesan Murali, MD, DABSM, and neurologist Denny John, MD.
“We specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea – a common condition where the person stops breathing repeatedly during
sleep, sometimes hundreds of times, often for a minute or longer,” says Dr. Murali. “This is a very serious condition because if left untreated, sleep apnea puts people at increased risk for heart disease,
stroke and high blood pressure, as well as memory problems, weight gain and headaches.”
There are three types of apnea, all of which are diagnosed and managed at the Albert Einstein Sleep Center: obstructive,
central, and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. It is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the
soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. In central sleep apnea, the airway is not blocked
but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. Mixed apnea, as the name implies, is a combination of the two.
Risk factors for all three types of sleep apnea include a family history of sleep apnea; being overweight; of the male sex;
having a large neck; or being a smoker or consumer of alcohol. African-Americans, Pacific Islanders and Mexicans are at higher
risk as well. Yet, the condition can affect both males and females of all ages and weight. So losing weight, stopping drinking
and smoking all help reduce the risk of sleep apnea.
The Albert Einstein Sleep Center also treats other sleep disorders including restless leg syndrome, insomnia, narcolepsy and
circadian rhythm disorders.
The Sleep Center offers a coordinated care approach with Drs. Murali and John consulting with other specialists on related disorders such as morbid obesity or cardiopulmonary diseases. The two work closely
with referring physicians to determine the best management for each patient.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
To diagnose sleep apnea, a patient is scheduled for an overnight polysomnogram in the new Sleep Laboratory. The space has
been completely renovated with facilities to accommodate physically handicapped, bariatric and adolescent patients. Patients
age 12 and up are treated, and parents may stay overnight in the room with their child. While the patient is sleeping, a
variety of body functions and measurements are monitored and recorded by a sleep technician from a nearby room. Patients
can communicate with the technician at any time through an intercom that is on continuously during the study.
If a patient is diagnosed with sleep apnea, he or she is scheduled for an overnight CPAP/BIPAP titration study where the
patient wears a mask that blows oxygen to keep their airway open. The test determines how much air pressure is needed while
the patient sleeps in order to prevent apnea.
A follow-up visit to discuss the sleep study results as well as treatment options is scheduled at the Sleep Outpatient Office.
Following the study, arrangements are made as needed, for CPAP, BIPAP or oxygen equipment. Final lab reports are available
one week after testing is completed and sent to the referring physician. All insurances are accepted for patient evaluation.
Valet parking is provided.
For more information, please call 215-456-DOZE (3693).
About Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides healthcare services through Albert Einstein
Medical Center, Germantown Community Health Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), Einstein at Elkins Park, MossRehab,
Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and satellite locations. Einstein
also operates a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare. For more information, visit www.einstein.edu or call 1-800-EINSTEIN.
Publish date: May 14, 2007
