Dr. Michel Alkhalil on Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Diagnosis and Treatment at Troy Sleep Center
Loud snoring, gasping during sleep, and persistent daytime tiredness are more than nuisances. They can be signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a common but frequently underdiagnosed condition in which breathing repeatedly pauses during sleep. Dr. Michel Alkhalil, dual board-certified in Sleep Medicine and Allergy and Immunology, leads the evaluation and management of these disorders at the AASM-accredited Troy Sleep Center.
What Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues of the throat relax during sleep and the airway narrows or closes. Breathing may pause for seconds at a time, prompting the brain to briefly rouse the body to restore airflow. These interruptions can happen many times an hour, often without the person being aware of them, which is part of why the condition can go unrecognized for years.
Because the downstream health consequences of untreated sleep apnea can be significant, Dr. Michel Alkhalil emphasizes early evaluation. Recognizing the condition and beginning appropriate care is central to the clinic's patient care philosophy.
Common Signs Worth Attention
Symptoms vary, but several patterns commonly prompt an evaluation:
- Loud, habitual snoring, sometimes noticed by a bed partner
- Observed pauses in breathing or gasping during sleep
- Waking unrefreshed despite a full night in bed
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches or a dry mouth on waking
These signs do not confirm a diagnosis on their own, but they are reasons to speak with a sleep specialist who can determine whether further assessment is warranted.
How Diagnosis Works
Diagnosing OSA generally begins with a clinical evaluation of symptoms and medical history, followed by a sleep study when indicated. A sleep study measures factors such as breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep stages to establish whether apnea is present and, if so, how significant it is. At Troy Sleep Center, this process is carried out under AASM accreditation, a recognized standard reflecting adherence to established clinical practices in sleep disorder diagnosis and treatment.
A sleep study turns a set of vague nighttime complaints into measurable information, which is what allows treatment to be matched to the individual patient rather than to a guess.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the individual patient. Options may include positive airway pressure therapy, which keeps the airway open during sleep, along with positional strategies, lifestyle adjustments, and in some cases alternative appliances or referral for further evaluation. Dr. Michel Alkhalil works with patients to identify an approach they can sustain, since consistent use is central to the benefit of any therapy.
The practice supports patients from diagnosis through treatment, maintaining continuity so that follow-up and adjustments are part of an ongoing relationship rather than a single visit. This continuity reflects the coordinated model that AAIRS Clinic and Troy Sleep Center are built around.
Why Integrated Care Matters for Sleep Apnea
Sleep-disordered breathing often intersects with allergy and respiratory health. Nasal congestion and airway inflammation can influence breathing at night, and the multi-specialty structure of the practice allows these related factors to be considered together. The training of Dr. Michel Alkhalil across both sleep medicine and allergy and immunology supports that integrated view.
His background includes fellowship training at Drexel University College of Medicine, Hahnemann University Hospital, and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children covering pediatric and adult sleep medicine, an Allergy and Immunology fellowship at the University of South Florida in Tampa, and residency at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital. He holds board certification in both specialties and has received multiple Top Doc recognitions, including inclusion on Hour Detroit's Top Docs list.
A Local Path Toward Better Sleep
For patients in Oakland and Macomb counties experiencing signs of sleep apnea, evaluation at an accredited center offers a structured route from uncertainty to a clear plan. Addressing the condition early gives patients the opportunity to protect both their sleep and their broader health.
About the practice. Troy Sleep Center, part of AAIRS Clinic, is an AASM-accredited, multi-specialty practice offering sleep, allergy, and pulmonology services across Oakland and Macomb counties, under the direction of Dr. Michel Alkhalil.
This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult a qualified clinician regarding individual symptoms and treatment options.