PRESCOTT, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona VA sleep clinic has welcomed sleep expert Troy Sebastian, who founded the first accredited sleep center on a Native American reservation. Now, he brings his expertise to support Veterans’ sleep health.
Improving Sleep Care in Native Communities
In 2017, Sebastian established a sleep center with the San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation. Within just six months, it became the first sleep center accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) on a Self-Determination Native American Reservation. As a result, this milestone set a national precedent, significantly advancing sleep health care in Native American communities.
“I’m very proud to have advanced the quality of sleep medicine for a community that really needed it,” Sebastian said. “Our Native American populations remain significantly underserved in healthcare. Additionally, many Native Americans face high rates of comorbidities due to social and environmental challenges. Consequently, these factors contribute to a lower life expectancy compared to other populations.”
From Military Service to Sleep Medicine Expert
Sebastian’s military background played a key role in his journey into sleep medicine. He served as a combat corpsman for the U.S. Marine Corps, where he earned the nickname “Doc.” Reflecting on this experience, he shared, “As a combat corpsman, I worked similarly to a physician assistant. I treated various injuries during deployments, such as open fractures, dehydration, and minor illnesses.”
After leaving the military, he discovered a passion for sleep medicine. Over the past 25 years, he has helped countless patients improve their sleep. Now, he joins the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System (NAVAHCS) Home Sleep Apnea Clinic in Prescott, bringing his valuable experience to the team.
Helping Veterans Sleep Better
“Veterans come to me saying they’re sick and tired of being sick and tired,” Sebastian said. “Therefore, I am fortunate to improve their quality of life by helping them sleep better. It’s truly an honor to serve my fellow Veterans.”
The Northern Arizona VA sleep clinic focuses on diagnosing sleep apnea and creating individualized treatment plans. Common symptoms include daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, and pauses in breathing during sleep. Veterans experiencing these symptoms can request a sleep consult through their VA primary care provider. If they meet the criteria, a home sleep apnea test may be offered. This method provides a realistic view of sleep patterns in the comfort of their own home. Afterward, a sleep physician reviews the results and recommends the appropriate treatment.
Understanding the Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems. For example, it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and is linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Treatment options include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a mandibular advancement device for mild to moderate cases, and Inspire Sleep therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). “CPAP remains the gold standard of treatment,” Sebastian emphasized. “Moreover, newer CPAP models have greatly improved, making them more comfortable and user-friendly.”
Advancing Sleep Medicine Across the Southwest
Sebastian has contributed significantly to sleep medicine beyond patient care. He is a founding board member of the Arizona Sleep Society, helping to advance sleep medicine throughout the Southwest. Additionally, he has trained Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) to achieve certification as Registered Polysomnographic Sleep Technologists (RPSGT). His efforts include establishing sleep disorder centers across the region and teaching polysomnography at Gateway Community College.
Before joining NAVAHCS, Sebastian collaborated with Harvard-trained sleep physicians at the New England VA Healthcare System. His extensive experience makes him a valuable addition to the Northern Arizona VA team, further enhancing sleep care for Veterans in the region.
