Sleep Disorders Clinic
Sleep Disorders Clinic
The main sleep disorders
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Sleep is characterized by a relaxation of the pharynx and withdrawal of the tongue. The vibration of the soft tissues generates the annoying snoring. If the resistance of the upper airway increases, breathing is inhibited (sleep apnea), which affects the sleep of the person concerned. Therefore, sleep apnea is a brief interruption of breathing during sleep. The frequent interruptions of deep sleep result in daytime fatigue and a tendency to drowsiness (somnolence). The affected individuals are at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Sleep apnea can cause impaired concentration and car accidents caused by brief snoozes (micro-sleep). Once diagnosed, sleep apnea syndrome can be effectively treated.
Note that facing a chronic sleep-related complaint by an octogenarian, it is primarily important to eliminate depression or sleep apnea syndrome, and avoid the prescription of a hypnotic or anxiolytic.
While in the pediatric population, we must seek to eliminate any medical causes that can give sleeping problems, including ear infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophagitis, and cow milk protein intolerance…
Services offered at the Polyclinique Centre-Ville
At the Polyclinique Centre-Ville there is a multidisciplinary team specialized in the management of sleep disorders: Pneumologists, ENTs, Neurologist, Cardiologist, Respiratory therapist and a Psychologist, all experienced in the field of sleep, for both adults and children.
The patient care also consists of simple hints for patients and parents to prevent the onset of sleep problem.
The pneumologist and / or ENT evaluates sleeping problems and prescribes diagnostic examinations or treatment. The consultation with the specialist is covered by the RAMQ.
Diagnostics examinations for sleep disorders vary:
- Simplified respiratory polysomnography at home
- Complete respiratory polysomnography
- Titration study of positive pressure
The exams can be done in a hospital (Hôtel Dieu du CHUM), they are then covered by the public plan. They can also be done in private practice, where some private insurance can cover the cost.
More specialized tests may also be carried out at the CHUM upon the request of the pneumologist.
Our Specialists
Dr Carricart is assistant clinical professor at the University of Montreal and pneumologist since 2004 at Hotel Dieu Hospital of the CHUM. She is responsible of the training program of the residents in pneumology. She is a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, medical expert in cystic fibrosis at the Cystic fibrosis clinic of the CHUM and also for Biron Medical laboratories - Sleep care. She completed her medical training at Laval University and internal medicine and pulmonology at the University of Montreal. She did her fellowship in cystic fibrosis at Cochin Hospital in Paris, where she received a AFSA Diploma (Attestation de Formation Spécialisée Approfondie) from Descartes University in Paris. Her hospital practice and at the Polyclinique Centre-Ville is in general pulmonology, cystic fibrosis and sleep disorder.
Dr Colombini received her medical degree from McGill University in 1990. She completed her training in pediatrics and pulmonology at the Montreal Children's Hospital in 1995. From 1995 to 1999, she practiced pediatric and pulmonology at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital. She moved to San Diego, California, to practice at the Rady Children's Hospital in 1999 where she developed an expertise in neuromuscular disease and flexible bronchoscopy. In 2008 she returned to Montreal to work in the pulmonology department at CHU Sainte-Justine, where she had the opportunity to develop her skills in sleep disorders, cystic fibrosis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. At the Polyclinique Centre-Ville, Dr Colombini supports pediatric patients with pulmonary disease and disorders of apnea and sleep.