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FBCH Sleep Medicine Clinic Receives Formal Accreditation
By: FBCH Office of Strategic Communications
FORT BELVOIR, VA. (July 31, 2020)-- The Fort Belvoir Community Hospital (FBCH) received notification from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) that they achieved formal accreditation for all types of sleep testing to include polysomnography, multiple sleep latency testing, maintenance of wakefulness testing, and home sleep apnea testing. As verified by this certification, FCBH Sleep Medicine Center meets all standards for professional heath care designated by AASM, and joins the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in becoming the second Military Treatment Facility to receive this accreditation in the National Capital Region.
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Although accreditation is essential for all fields of medical service, it is especially important in Sleep Disorders Medicine due to the significant increase in the number of Service members and retirees who have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder over the past 1-2 decades.
It is reported that 48.6% of military personnel are poor sleepers, 11% of US army soldiers carry a sleep disorder diagnosis, and one study revealed an overall insomnia prevalence of 19.9%. Sleep apnea and insomnia are the two most common sleep disorders in the military personnel.
Further, sleep disturbance is a common symptom of psychiatric disorders, especially in the military population. Sleep disorders are often occur as a condition occurring in conjunction with depression, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The availability of high quality sleep care is critical to reduce the burden of disease, and improve overall readiness and military operations.
