Millennium Physician Group’s Sleep Center offers a Comprehensive Approach to Better Sleep
Sleep Disorders are associated with many other health conditions and if sleep hygiene is not rectified, over time, sleep problems can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and other serious complications. Lack of sleep is associated with workplace issues, drowsy driving and problems with interpersonal relationships.
Sleep disruptions can be caused by the following:
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Various other Sleep Disorders
• Medical Conditions (back pain, acid reflux, arthritis, restless leg syndrome, etc.)
• Being Overweight
• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Lifestyle Disruptors (naps, shift work, circadian rhythm imbalance)
• Medications
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Nicotine
• Heavy meals
Dr. Abbasi-Feinberg is a Sleep Specialist with over 20 years of experience. Her sleep center is not just any run-of-the-mill sleep lab, but a comprehensive facility dedicated to getting to the root cause and accurately diagnosing the patient’s sleep disturbances and treating the causes and underlying conditions.
We asked Dr. Abbasi-Feinberg what sets her center apart from the rest.
“At our Millennium Sleep Center, along with sleep apnea, we specialize in multiple conditions that contribute to sleep disruptions. One of the things that really sets us apart is the evaluation process to the treatment and that we provide full-comprehensive sleep care.” Dr. Abbasi-Feinberg explained.
“We evaluate patients in the office to see if they qualify for a home sleep apnea test, which we offer in the convenience and privacy of their own home, in their own bed. As technology has improved, it has been an excellent way to monitor and diagnose patients. These at-home sleep apnea tests are FDA approved for testing sleep apnea, but not for other disorders, and it’s important for patients to understand that not all sleep issues are caused by sleep apnea.”
“Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common disorder that I see, but there is a wide breadth of other sleep disorders that need to be discussed. Typically, we evaluate patients in the office; if they qualify, we recommend the at-home test. What that means is we identify if they are capable of attaching the unit to themselves, do they have high probability of having sleep apnea, or do they have another disorder that’s disrupting sleep patterns.
“In the past, we would have patients come into the office, and our technician would show them how to use the system, but with COVID-19, we are now having patients pick it up and drop it off curbside. The technician walks it out to their car and shows them how to use it. There is a belt that goes across the chest and a probe for their finger, as well as nasal cannulas that rest inside the nose. The next day, the patient drops it off to the technician curbside, and he downloads the data and sends it to me for review.
“The Home Sleep Apnea Test has some disposable parts, and we thoroughly sanitize the device that collects the data and the fixed components with an approved solution against Covid-19. We make sure it’s absolutely safe for next patient.
“There are some reasons that we suggest that patients come into the center for a sleep study. Some patients have other sleep disorders that cannot be assessed with a Home Sleep Apnea Test. Examples include some Parasomnias, which are unusual activity that can occur during any stage of sleep. These patients might talk, move around, or do unique activities.
One type of parasomnia is REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, which happens during the REM sleep stage. Typically, during REM, a person is in a state of paralysis, but with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, there is a lack of paralysis and people may act out their dreams. Patients my have activities such as moving, punching, jumping out of bed, and other unusual behaviors. It can be very dangerous, especially if they share a bed with someone. And in cases like these, we ask them to come into the sleep lab to assess them during sleep. The in lab sleep study uses more electrodes to monitor and get a more detailed view of the data as well as physically seeing them sleep.
“For parasomnias, such as Rem Sleep Behavior Disorder, I provide counseling within my practice to help patients with safety issues. I recommend things such as soft padding on nightstands and a body pillow to separate bed partners. I always discuss access to sharp objects as well as gun safety. If a patient is severe, we can prescribe medications and, of course, evaluate and diagnose underlying conditions.
“In terms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, there are different options to treat the apnea depending on the severity and other co-existing conditions. For mild sleep apnea, we usually recommend losing weight or using an oral appliance. I work closely with my patient’s dentist; they can have a nightguard fabricated specifically for the patient that keeps the jaw forward to open the airway. These are FDA approved. There are also surgical options if the case is severe, and if patients cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.
“Positive pressure therapy with CPAP is the first line of treatment because it is so very effective. The new CPAP machines are streamlined, and the interfaces are much more comfortable for patients. They no longer need to cover the entire face, and the new devices are very quiet. Most individuals choose small interfaces such as nasal cradles that fit under the nose. A gentle stream of air blows into nostrils to expand the airway. Patients tolerate it well, and it’s almost a 100% effective to improve sleep apnea. CPAP machines reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and can help with control of blood pressure and diabetes. We really can change someone’s life with better quality of sleep.
“There are many other sleep disturbances, like narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, insomnia, and other sleep disorders that sometimes need to be evaluated. If someone does not have sleep apnea, but still has sleep issues, they need further evaluation and examination, and that’s an area that our center specializes in.
“I help people find the cause and improve their sleep because sleep is one of the three pillars of health, along with diet and exercise. High quality sleep critical for overall wellbeing.”
Suffering from any of the symptoms below? Ask your healthcare provider about a Sleep Study.
• Loud snoring
• Daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Witnessed apnea
• Non-refreshing sleep
• Sleep paralysis
• Disrupted sleep
• Drowsy driving
• Choking/gasping in sleep
• Trouble staying asleep
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
• Difficulty concentrating
Farina Abbasi-Feinberg M.D., FAASM
is a graduate of Hahnemann School of Medicine/Drexel University. She completed her Neurology training at the University of Maryland Medical System, as well as a fellowship in Neurophysiology.
Dr. Abbasi was practicing Sleep Medicine in North Carolina for over 20 years, attending to patients with full spectrum of sleep disorders. Her special interests include Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy and Restless leg Syndrome.
Dr. Abbasi is on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). She has been involved with multiple committees for the AASM and served as the AASM advisor to the AMA RUC ( American Medical Association Relative Value Scale Update Committee). Her area of expertise includes coding and compliance related to sleep medicine issues. She lectures nationally on various topics.
Millennium Physician Group
Sleep Center
13813 Metro Pkwy., Fort Myers, FL 33912
(239) 936-1343