Sleep Medicine

Evidence-based clinician algorithm for safely tapering benzodiazepines and Z-drugs commonly used for insomnia.

Individualize tapering, monitor withdrawal and sleep symptoms, and incorporate non-drug insomnia treatment.

Clinical overview for primary care covering sleep-disorder screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, pharmacotherapy and CBT-I considerations.

Use to support assessment and treatment planning; refer complex or suspected physiological sleep disorders to sleep medicine.

National sleep medicine organization providing professional education, clinical publications and patient information on sleep and sleep disorders.

Use as a supplementary education source; individual resources do not replace local referral criteria or clinical guidelines.

Primary-care tool supporting assessment and management of chronic insomnia, including CBT-I and medication considerations.

Use with current prescribing information and clinical judgment; chronic insomnia should generally be managed with CBT-I as first-line therapy.

Shareable resource explaining the limited benefits and significant risks of sedative-hypnotics for insomnia in older adults and safer alternatives.

Useful for shared decision-making when reviewing or deprescribing sleep medications.

Sleep Consults and Programs for adults and teens >13

Physician referral form for the LHSC Sleep Medicine Clinic and Sleep and Apnea Assessment Unit.

Available through the “Referral Form PDF” link on the page; include the clinical indication and relevant supporting information.

Regional hospital sleep laboratory providing overnight testing and assessment for sleep-disordered breathing and other suspected sleep disorders.

A physician referral is required for testing; submit the program referral form with relevant clinical information.

Provincial coverage information for eligible CPAP, APAP and BPAP systems and the steps required to use an ADP-registered sleep clinic and vendor.

PAP funding requires assessment through an ADP-registered sleep clinic and purchase from an ADP-registered vendor; oral appliances and replacement masks are not covered.

Sleep study and consults

Referral form attached

Hospital-operated service providing CPAP equipment, mask fitting, education and ongoing therapy support for people with prescribed positive airway pressure treatment.

A sleep study and prescription from a sleep specialist are required for Assistive Devices Program funding.

An interactive education session focusing on cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi), which offers a non-medication approach to help get your sleep back. This group is intended for adults (18+) who are tired of not sleeping; who struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early, or a combination of these; who are still not sleeping despite taking a sleeping pill; and who struggle to keep focused throughout the day.

Respiratory therapy prescription form