CityView Magazine

48 June 2021 Once a patient is referred to the center, evaluated and scheduled, he or she arrives at the sleep lab in the early evening to have electrodes and other diagnostic aids attached. e six sleep lab rooms are equipped with comfortable beds that can be adjusted as the patient wishes, from firm to so, for instance, and from elevated to flat. Patients have access to temperature and noise controls, including sound machines. Meanwhile, a sleep technician monitors the patient's brain activity on a computer screen throughout the evening. at process has come a long way from the days when doctors had to peruse reams of stylus etchings on paper printouts to make a diagnosis. "When I came here, sleep medicine was a growing specialty at the time," said Dr. Fleishman, who completed one of the specialty's early fellowships at the Medical College of Georgia aer completing his psychiatric residency there. "I was offered this opportunity to develop the program." At the time, Fleishman was part of a staff of two with two beds available for patients. He had someone to schedule appointments, and when patients arrived, he was the one who took their vital signs. When they were able to hire their first sleep technician, it "was a big deal," he said. But he was able to do things his way. "We were always patient-driven, patient-focused and believed in the long-term management of folks. at was always a big part." Zak Wilkerson, who serves as Director of Administration and Sleep Services, said he believes Dr. Fleishman built a solid foundation for the program. "e standard Dr. Fleishman has set for us," he said, "means that we're the lab and programs other programs want to emulate." John Bigger, Corporate Director of Clinical Services for Cape Fear Valley Health, said Fleishman and Shetty have been leaders in the field of sleep medicine. "ey have led national organizations, implemented best practices and collaborated across a wide spectrum of care to ensure that our program maintains the excellence that it is known for," Bigger said. "Both have been instrumental in keeping the program at the highest levels of operation and their contributions are the reason the Sleep Center is where it is today – the best program in this part of the state, and I would argue one of the best in the country." Sleep medicine in general also has come a long way since the days when patients who had trouble sleeping were given medication and sent on their way. "We use medication, but first we try to work with patients' behavior and changing their lifestyle," Dr. Shetty said. "Screen device usage and caffeine are the two biggest problems we see." at can mean turning off your cellphone at bedtime and avoiding caffeine aer lunchtime. Other factors that can make for a better night's rest are avoiding nicotine and alcohol. Exercise and a healthy diet are as important for sleep as they are for many other health conditions. Amita Shetty Dr. Sam Fleishman Zak Wilkerson, who serves as Director of Administration and Sleep Services, said he believes Dr. Fleishman built a solid foundation for the program.

• Cover