Jan. 12, 2026 – Sarasota Memorial Health Care Center announced the opening of Sarasota Memorial’s new, accredited Sleep Disorder Center, a comprehensive program dedicated to evaluating and treating a wide range of sleep disorders that can impact long-term health.
Community members experiencing loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep, unrefreshing sleep, morning headaches, or excessive daytime sleepiness are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider about a sleep evaluation and potential overnight study. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of sleep disorders can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other long-term complications.
“Sleep is fundamental to overall health,” said Rabih Loutfi, MD, a board-certified pulmonologist, critical care, and sleep medicine physician with SMH First Physicians Group who serves as the center’s medical director. “When sleep is repeatedly disrupted by conditions such as sleep apnea, it can trigger a cascade of effects that negatively impacts immune function, increases the risk of chronic disease and impairs cognitive abilities such as memory and concentration.”…