At the Detroit VA Healthcare System, our Sleep Wake Disorders Center focuses on treating sleep as one of the three pillars of health, alongside nutrition and exercise.
As a testament to the Sleep Center’s pursuit of evidence-based care using state-of-the-art technology, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has re-accredited the John D. Dingell Sleep Center through 2029.
This accreditation, completed every five years, has occurred since 1987, when Detroit’s Sleep Center became the first in the VA to be accredited. It is also the only AASM-accredited Sleep Center in VA VISN 10 and serves Veterans from the Detroit, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Saginaw and Chillicothe areas.
With this five year renewal, the Sleep Wake Disorders Center, continues its record of excellence and maintains its status as one of VA Detroit’s Centers of Excellence, which highlights recognition of our quality and service in specialty healthcare programs, such as sleep medicine.
The VA Detroit Sleep Center, led by Dr. Susmita Chowdhuri, is a multi-service effort and is supported by several VA Detroit programs, including Respiratory Therapy, Nursing, Biomedical and Logistics.
“After all our Veterans have done to serve our country, they deserve a good night’s sleep,” said Dr. Chowdhuri. “This AASM accreditation is a testament to the excellence of our Sleep Center staff. Their continued excellence is why I am confident in providing the best Veteran-centered care promoting Sleep as the most important aspect of whole health.”
According to the VA, sleep difficulties in Veterans are very common and can cause problems with daytime functioning and may contribute to other medical conditions. The two most common sleep issues, insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, impact Veteran rest and the VA offers tools, such as their Sleep Check-Up Tool and Sleep 101, to help Veterans understand their sleep concerns. Sleep apnea, untreated, may lead to serious health consequences, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and motor vehicle accidents.
Poor sleep may also be related to obesity, PTSD, pain, obesity and other issues, and Veterans experiencing these issues are encouraged to maintain healthy sleep patterns, such as avoiding napping, exercising regularly, keeping a regular schedule and more. Further info may be found on the VA Sleep Well website.
For information on the Sleep Disorders Center or to participate in a research Sleep Study, visit VA Detroit’s Sleep Center. To learn more about VA Detroit’s Centers of Excellence, visit our Centers of Excellence webpage.
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