How to promote sleep health in refugee populations
With Hyrar Attarian, MD, FCCP, FAAN, FAASM; and Michael Mak, MD, FRCPC, DRCPSC, FAASM
June 19, 2025
Trauma, torture, and war are all known contributing factors to sleep disparities among refugees. Sleep disturbances, particularly insomnia and nightmares, occur with a higher prevalence among refugees. Sleep disorders are intimately linked to mental health disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.
This webinar explores the unique challenges and strategies to improve sleep health among refugee populations.
Dr. Michael Mak introduces general sleep disturbances, epidemiology, and health risks.
Dr. Hrayr Attarian discusses sleep health, disturbance and management tips in refugee populations based on his work among refugees from the Middle East, Latin America, and Ukraine.
Presenters:
Dr. Hrayr Attarian is a Professor of Neurology and Sleep Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. His primary research interests are: 1) Sleep disorders in refugees and its impact on quality of life. 2) Health disparities (economic, ethnic, and gender based) in sleep medicine. He is interested in the role of sleep in global health as well as mentoring physicians and other health care workers from local and international schools. His primary clinical focus is diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, particularly those in neurological illnesses.
Dr. Michael Mak is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. Dr. Mak has served as the Clinical Vice President of the Canadian Sleep Society since 2023. He is a standing member of the Royal College Area of Focus Competence Committee in Sleep Disorder Medicine. He is the President-Elect for the Canadian College of Neuropsychopharmacology. His research interests are the: 1) Management of insomnia and 2) Study of sleep and psychiatric disorder interface.