Sleep Health and Wellness Center opens at UC-Med in Cebu

CEBU – A Sleep Health and Wellness Center (SHWC) opened at Room 1206, 12^th Floor, University of Cebu-Medical Center (UCMed) in Mandaue City, with Atty. Augusto Go, UCMed Chairman, Dr. Armando Tan, Medical Director and Dr. Merci Angelie Letegio Uy, Head Pulmonologist, UCMed Sleep Health and Wellness Center leading the blessings and ribbon cutting ceremonies Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Dr. Armando Tan highlighted the importance of sleep health and the role of a sleep lab in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders and the prevalence of sleep disorders in the Philippines, noting it ranks third globally in countries with worst sleep habits, with an average sleep duration of 6.13 hours per night, according to a study by Onebed.

Dr. Tan and Dr. Uy mentioned the importance of sleep health and the role of a sleep lab in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, and the use of CPAP machines for treatment, the impact of weight on sleep, and the role of diet in sleep health.

“Sleep apnea, insomnia, and snoring are some significant issues, with snoring being a potential sign of obstructed airways.  The availability of pediatric pulmonologists and the importance of addressing sleep disorders early to prevent long-term health complications are equally part of Sleep Health and Wellness Center’s engagement services,” Dr. Uy said.

The Center provides sleep diagnosis, recommendations on foods and dietary habits that can improve sleep quality; explore the possibility of offering 24-hour sleep monitoring services for patients; ensure the availability of personnel to provide after-sales care and guidance on the use of CPAP machines and develop screening tools to help doctors identify patients who may benefit from a sleep study, Dr. Uy shared on the services of the center.

Prevalence of sleep disorders and their impact in daily lives

 Based on the study by Onebed, 56% of Filipinos experience sleep problems, making them the most sleepless people in Southeast Asia and 46% of Southeast Asians face sleep problems at least a few times a week. The most common sleep problems include--difficulty falling asleep at 49%; waking up often at night, 39% and irregular sleep and wake cycle, 38 percent.

Vulnerable groups of sleep disorders include medical students and residents report chronic partial loss of sleep and women factory workers are 32% more likely to experience mental health symptoms due to sleep problems.

 

Contractual workers or temporary workers are 2.33 times more likely to have frequent mental health symptoms, decreased sleep hours, poor sleep quality, and other health issues.

“These statistics highlight the need for awareness and action to address sleep disorders in the Philippines,” Dr. Tan said.

Dr. Uy explained the significance of having a Sleep Lab and its role in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, and even snoring, which can lead to serious health issues like hypertension and cardiac disease.

Sleep disorders and their impact on daily activities, leading to headaches, sleepiness, and even accidents, such as falling asleep while driving. Loud snoring can indicate obstructed airways, leading to oxygen drop and potential heart and brain issues, Dr. Uy said.

“It is very important to address sleep disorders early, especially in children, to prevent long-term health complications. Some patients can stop breathing for up to three minutes, leading to severe health risks like heart attacks and strokes,” the doctors explained.

The Sleep Health and Wellness Center, sleep lab and the use of CPAP machines are important tools for monitoring and treating sleep disorders, Dr. Tan said that the Center can provide prescriptions for machines and after-sales care to ensure proper use and maintenance.

The doctors at the Center underscored the need for a holistic approach to sleep health, including lifestyle changes and medical interventions and the need for comprehensive sleep studies to identify and treat various sleep disorders. (Photos: MBCNewman)