Michael. S. Aldrich Sleep Disorders Laboratory

Michael S. Aldrich, M.D. 1949-2000

Michael S. Aldrich, M.D., founded the University of Michigan Sleep Disorders Center in 1985. During the next 15 years, he brought the Center to national prominence based on highest standards for patient care, professional education, and sleep research. A pioneer in the field of sleep medicine, Dr. Aldrich was renowned for seminal contributions to knowledge about narcolepsy, excessive daytime sleepiness, and other sleep-related problems. He was a consummate educator and model clinician.

The Michael S. Aldrich Sleep Disorders Laboratory contains 10 private bedrooms equipped with modern equipment for digital polysomnography. More than 3,000 nocturnal studies are performed each year. The Laboratory is located on the 7th floor of the Med Inn Building, which connects to University Hospital and also the C. S. Mott Women's and Children's Hospital. Studies are performed 7 days per week. The Laboratory also can perform bedside recordings on hospitalized patients who need urgent assessment.

As an alternative to a night in a sleep laboratory, a simplified overnight recording focused on breathing can be performed in some specific circumstances, in a patient's home using a portable monitor. The patient picks up the device in the evening, learns how to use it, sleeps with it, and returns it the next morning.