UBC sleep clinic expanding through $3.8-million project

The UBC Hospital Sleep Disorders Program is set to make its largest expansion in 35 years.

The sleep clinic has been helping Vancouverites get to the bottom of their sleeping troubles since 1981 but space has always been limited.

Dr. John Fleetham, co-director of the program, points to 40 per cent of Canadians who will suffer from some form of sleep disorder in their lifetime. Our many electronic devices are some of the many problems that keep us up at night, according to Fleetham.

“We’re a 24-hour society. We’re up a lot into the evening with our devices,” said Fleetham.

On top of that, shift work, jet lag, stress and a multitude of sleep disorders messes with our body clock.

Because of the constant demand, the sleep clinic will be growing from six beds to nine and become better equipped to operate around the clock.

The $3.8 million project is being funded through donations to the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.

“We are very excited about the expansion of the new sleep disorders program at UBC,” said Tracey Taulu, 0perations director at UBC Hospital.

“The space is very innovatively designed and has the ability to shift from a hospital clinic during the day to very warm and non-clinical atmosphere as a sleep lab during the night. The space will also be fully upgraded in soundproofing and ventilation which will allow for a better overall sleep-study environment for the clients.”