Can’t Sleep? Waking Up Tired? Try These Sleep Specialist Tips

Updated on May 14, 2026 | Featured, Sleep, Your Health

A woman stretches in bed after a good night's sleep

Insomnia is a common disorder that makes it hard for you to fall asleep or stay asleep. In many cases, insomnia is temporary, such as the jet lag you may experience after a long flight. But if the problem is ongoing, you may have poor sleep habits or even a sleep disorder.

In this Q&A, Andrew W. Varga, MD, PhD, a Mount Sinai neuroscientist who specializes in sleep, explains how to sleep better and how to know if you might have a sleep disorder.

A portrait of Mount Sinai sleep specialist Andrew W. Varga, MD, PhD

Andrew W. Varga, MD, PhD

What habits can help me sleep better?

Good sleep depends on three things:

  • Duration: Adults generally need 7 to 9 hours of sleep (slightly less with age)
  • Quality: Sleep should be uninterrupted
  • Consistency: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day

To sleep better:

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—this is very important
  • Avoid screens like phones or TV before bed
  • Do calm activities like reading or deep breathing
  • Keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool
  • Use the bed only for sleep—not cellphone scrolling, reading, or watching TV

A warm shower before bed can also help your body relax and cool down afterward, which makes it easier to fall asleep.

How do I know if I might have insomnia?

Falling asleep takes most people about 20 minutes, though some people may take up to 30 minutes. If it sometimes takes a little longer, that may be normal. But if it happens often and causes stress, it can be a sign you have poor sleep habits or a sleep disorder.
Sleep problems often follow a simple pattern called the “3P model”:

  • Predisposing factors: Some people are naturally more anxious or sensitive to stress, which can make sleep harder.
  • Precipitating (triggering) events: Big life stressors, like the loss of a loved one, stress from work, or a major life change like a divorce, can trigger sleep problems.
  • Perpetuating habits: Engaging in behaviors that make it hard to fall asleep.

What are examples of habits that create sleep problems?

Some of the most common examples are:

  • Lying in bed and tossing and turning can train your brain to think your bed is not for sleep
  • Using devices like phones and laptops can make it harder to fall asleep because light from screens keeps you awake
  • Getting out of bed to clean, work, or check emails can make insomnia worse

If you can’t sleep after about 20 minutes, it may help to get up and do something quiet in another room until you feel sleepy again.

Why do I wake up early and can’t fall back asleep?

The same patterns that make it hard to fall asleep can also cause early waking. However, other sleep issues, like breathing problems (sleep apnea), restless legs, and periodic limb movement disorder, can wake you up

Ask yourself or your sleep partner:

  • Do you snore loudly or gasp during sleep?
  • Have you ever stopped breathing during sleep?
  • Are your legs or arms often moving at night?

If the answer to any of these is “yes,” you may need to see a sleep specialist.

Why do I feel tired even after sleeping eight hours?

Even if you sleep up to eight hours, the quality of your sleep could be poor. People with inconsistent sleep schedules, like shift workers, often have this problem. Otherwise, this problem might be related to:

  • A sleep disorder, like sleep apnea or movement disorder, which breaks up sleep without you realizing it
  • A natural need for more sleep than others (some people need between 9 and 11 hours to feel rested)
  • Rare conditions that cause strong sleepiness no matter how long you sleep (such as narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia, neurological conditions that cause excessive daytime sleepiness)

If you often feel tired after sleeping, you should talk to a doctor.

When should I see a doctor about my sleep?

You should see a doctor about your sleep if:

  • You often feel tired even after enough sleep
  • You regularly have trouble falling or staying asleep
  • You snore loudly, gasp, pause in breathing, or have unusual movement during sleep
  • Sleeping partners notice you do these while you sleep

A sleep specialist can help find the cause and suggest treatment.

Take control of your sleep—schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai sleep specialist

Can Wearables Really Monitor Your Heart Health? A Mount Sinai Cardiologist Explains

May 14, 2026 | Cardiology, Featured, Your Health

A female doctor and her male patient discuss data from the patient's smart watch, shown on his wrist. Data from his watch is displayed on his smart phone, which he is holding in his other hand

You have probably heard that wearable technologies like smartwatches can help you monitor your heart health. But do they really work, and how do you decide which is right for you?

In this Q&A, Matthew I. Tomey, MD, Associate Professor, Medicine (Cardiology), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, says they can be useful, with a few things to keep in mind. He discusses what features to look for and why it’s important to talk to your cardiologist before you decide on a device.

A portrait of Mount Sinai cardiologist Matthew I. Tomey, MD

Matthew I. Tomey, MD

What can a smartwatch or fitness tracker tell me about my heart?

Wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers can measure several things related to your heart and overall health:

  • Heart rate. Most devices use a technology called photoplethysmography (PPG), a light sensor on the back of the watch that shines into your skin and measures blood flow to estimate your pulse. In controlled settings, wrist-worn devices have been shown to measure heart rate with roughly ±3 percent error compared to standard medical equipment, though accuracy decreases during physical activity.
  • Heart rhythm. Some devices can alert you to an irregular heartbeat that may suggest atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder that increases the risk of stroke. Devices do this either by analyzing your pulse pattern in the background or by recording a single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) when you place your finger on the watch.
  • Physical activity. Built-in motion sensors track steps, distance, and calories burned. Research shows that using a wearable activity tracker can help people with heart disease increase their daily walking by roughly 2,000 steps per day compared to not using one.
  • Sleep. Many devices estimate sleep duration and quality, which is relevant because poor sleep is linked to higher cardiovascular risk.
  • Blood oxygen level. Some devices estimate blood oxygen saturation, though the accuracy of this feature in consumer devices is still being studied.

These devices are not replacements for medical equipment, but they can provide useful day-to-day information about your health trends.

Are there any risks or limits to using a wearable to check my heart?

Yes. There are several important limitations and concerns to be aware of:

  • Accuracy varies. Not all devices perform equally. Accuracy depends on the brand, model, type of sensor, and what is being measured. For example, in a head-to-head study of five popular smartwatches, the sensitivity of automated algorithms for detecting AFib ranged from only 58 to 85 percent, and the devices could not determine the heart rhythm in 17 to 26 percent of recordings. When a doctor reviewed those same recordings, the rhythm could be identified 99 percent of the time. This highlights that these devices are screening tools, not diagnostic instruments.
  • Skin and fit matter. Accuracy can be affected by darker skin tones, tattoos, cold body temperature, obesity, poor skin contact, and how tightly the device is worn. Movement, especially during exercise, is a major source of error.
  • False alarms. The device may flag something as abnormal when nothing is actually wrong (a “false positive”). This can cause unnecessary worry and lead to additional medical visits and testing that may not have been needed. On the other hand, a normal reading does not guarantee that nothing is wrong.
  • They are not the same as medical devices. While some consumer wearables have received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specific features, such as ECG recording or irregular rhythm notification, this clearance is for screening purposes only. An irregular rhythm alert from a wearable does not diagnose AFib. A doctor must review the data and confirm any diagnosis. Many other health features on these devices (such as blood oxygen or sleep tracking) have not been FDA-cleared at all.
  • Data overload. These devices generate large volumes of data continuously. Without a clear plan for how to use the information, it can become overwhelming rather than helpful, for both patients and doctors.
  • Privacy. Wearable devices collect sensitive health information. Privacy protections vary significantly across manufacturers, and health data from consumer devices are generally not protected by the same laws (such as HIPAA) that protect your medical records. It is worth reviewing a device’s privacy policy before purchasing.

How can I use a wearable to track my heart and build healthier habits?

Wearables are most useful when paired with clear goals and a plan. Before purchasing a device, consider:

  • What do I want to learn? For example, do I want to track how active I am, monitor my heart rhythm, or keep an eye on my resting heart rate over time?
  • What will I do with the information? Data alone does not improve health; acting on it does. For instance, setting a daily step goal and using the device to track progress has been shown in clinical studies to help people become more physically active.
  • Am I prepared to discuss the data with my doctor? If the goal is to manage a health condition, the device is most valuable when its data are shared with and interpreted by a health care provider.
  • Wearables can also support exercise safety. For people with heart disease, a doctor can help set a target heart rate range for exercise, and a wearable can help monitor whether activity stays within that safe zone.

What should I tell my doctor if I am using a wearable to check my health?

Start by letting your doctor know that you are using a device and what you hope to learn from it. Setting expectations early can prevent frustration on both sides. Key points to discuss:

  • What role will the device play in your care? Clarify what your doctor is willing and able to review. Doctors may not be able to monitor continuous data streams on an ongoing basis, and there are currently no standardized systems for integrating consumer wearable data into most electronic health records.
  • What should prompt a call or visit? Ask your doctor which alerts or readings should lead you to seek medical attention and which can be noted for your next scheduled visit.
  • Share data selectively. Rather than presenting weeks of raw data, focus on trends or specific events (such as an irregular rhythm alert or a sustained change in resting heart rate) that are most relevant to your health questions.

Ideally, discuss the idea of using a wearable before purchasing one, so your doctor can recommend features that align with your health goals.

What features should I look for to track my heart and health correctly?

The best features depend on why you are getting the device:

  • For heart rhythm monitoring: Choose a device with ECG capability, not just pulse-based (PPG) monitoring. Devices with ECG functionality are superior for determining heart rhythm. Several smartwatches from major manufacturers have received FDA clearance for ECG recording and irregular rhythm detection. However, even ECG-equipped devices require you to actively initiate a recording; they do not continuously record your heart’s electrical activity.
  • For general fitness and activity tracking: Most major-brand devices are reasonably accurate for step counting and heart rate at rest. If you plan to monitor heart rate during vigorous exercise, a chest strap is more accurate than a wrist-worn device.
  • Look for FDA clearance for the specific feature you care about. A device may be FDA-cleared for one function (such as ECG) but not for others (such as blood oxygen). Check the manufacturer’s website for details.
  • Consider comfort and battery life. A device only works if you wear it consistently. Choose something comfortable enough for daily and overnight use.

How can I know if a device has been validated by research?

Look for studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals that have tested the device against standard medical equipment (such as a 12-lead ECG or hospital-grade heart monitor). A few things to keep in mind:

  • Manufacturer claims are not the same as independent validation. When independent researchers have tested popular wearables head-to-head, the accuracy has sometimes been lower than what manufacturers report.
  • Watch for excluded data. Some studies exclude recordings that the device labeled as “inconclusive” or “unreadable.” When those are included in the analysis, accuracy drops significantly. In real-world use, you will encounter inconclusive readings.
  • Study populations matter. Most large wearable studies have been conducted in people in their 40s and 50s. Performance may differ in older adults or people with other medical conditions.

Your doctor or a medical librarian can help you find relevant research on a specific device.

What else should I know about wearables for my heart?

Wearable technology for heart health is a rapidly evolving field. A few additional points:

  • Wearables may help manage chronic conditions. Beyond rhythm monitoring, there is growing research into using wearables to help manage conditions like heart failure, for example, by tracking activity levels, weight trends, and other signals that may indicate worsening symptoms before a hospitalization occurs. However, this area is still in its early stages, and most consumer devices are not yet designed for this purpose.
  • Artificial intelligence is expanding what devices can do. Newer algorithms are being developed to detect a wider range of heart conditions and to reduce the number of inconclusive or unreadable recordings. These advances are promising but still require further validation.
  • Equity matters. Not everyone has equal access to these technologies, and accuracy can vary across different skin tones and body types. Efforts are underway to improve device performance across diverse populations, but gaps remain.
  • The doctor-patient relationship is central. Wearables generate data, but clinical judgment is needed to interpret that data and make decisions. The most effective use of these devices will come from a partnership between patients and their health care teams.

Both doctors and patients should stay informed as this technology continues to develop. The ways wearable devices are used in medical care will continue to evolve, and staying engaged with your health care provider is the best way to make the most of these tools.

Take charge of your heart health—schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai cardiologist

Preparing for Medicine Through Research, Service, and Community at Mount Sinai

Updated on May 19, 2026 | Featured, School

A portrait of Daarayan Halatai in the lab at Mount Sinai

Daaryan Halatai

Daaryan Halatai is a first year student in the Master of Science in Biomedical Science (MSBS) program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

In this Q&A, he explains why he chose Mount Sinai and how his training program is preparing him to apply to medical school.

“My time at Mount Sinai has been a meaningful experience that has strengthened my passion for medicine and allowed me to be part of a community committed to caring for patients,” he says.

What is your academic and career background?

I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024 with a major in Professional Sciences, concentrating in Biology, and a minor in Psychology. During my time at VCU, I built a strong foundation across different areas of science and applied that knowledge through summer research in the laboratory of Lauren Cowart, PhD. I was also involved with organizations such as the American Chemical Society at VCU, where I participated in weekly discussions and activities related to chemistry principles. Before enrolling at Mount Sinai, I worked as a clinical technician in the Emergency Department at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia, which gave me valuable hands-on experience in the medical field.

What first attracted you to this field?

What attracted me to the medical field is my desire to help people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I have always been drawn to science and medicine because they give an understanding of disease on a deeper level while combining problem-solving, compassion, and lifelong learning. To me, the medical field is a place where I can serve others, continue growing as a student of science, and make a meaningful impact.

Why did you choose to study at the Icahn School of Medicine?

After graduating from VCU, I wanted to strengthen my medical school application by continuing to grow academically while gaining more research and clinical experience. When I first spoke with Program Director Jose Silva, PhD, about the MSBS program, he explained that the Icahn School of Medicine would provide the opportunities I was looking for, including shadowing physicians, participating in research, and earning a graduate degree in Biomedical Sciences. When I visited the campus for the first time, I was inspired by seeing physicians, nurses, researchers, and students all working within the same environment. That sense of community reflected the type of academic and clinical setting I had hoped to be part of since committing to my goal of becoming a physician.

Who are your mentors, and what is the focus of your research?

At Mount Sinai, I am under the mentorship of Louis Cohen, MD, alongside Daniela Guisado, MD, Kushal Saha, PhD, Salima Soualhi, PhD, and Katherine Cook. Dr. Cohen leads the Crohn’s Disease Stem Cell Transplant Program at Mount Sinai, which is designed for patients with severe Crohn’s disease who have not responded to traditional medical treatments. As the first program of its kind in the United States, it brings together specialists from both clinical and basic science departments. The program combines advanced patient care with translational research to help guide patients through the stem cell transplantation process. Through this work, our lab aims to better understand refractory Crohn’s disease and how stem cell transplants may improve treatment for these patients.

What has been your greatest accomplishment in the program so far?

My biggest accomplishment in the program has been excelling in my graduate course classes while also participating and being a part of organizations such as the East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership (EHHOP) and being the master’s representative for SEOS (Students for Equal Opportunity in Science)!

What activities outside the classroom have contributed to your success?

On my breaks when I get to go back to Northern Virginia to spend time with my family, I also volunteer with Great Vibe Events. This has contributed to my personal growth and success by allowing me to help organize events for adults with disabilities aged 18 and older. Through this experience, I have strengthened my communication, empathy, and leadership skills while learning the importance of creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. As someone pursuing a future in healthcare, this volunteer work has helped me become more compassionate and committed to serving diverse communities.

What are your plans after you complete your MSBS?

My plan after graduating from the MSBS program is to apply to medical and osteopathic schools. I also hope I can remain involved in Dr. Cohen’s research. Through my experience at Mount Sinai, I feel more prepared and confident as I enter my first application cycle.

Learn more about the MSBS program a the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Voices From the Class of 2026 at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s Commencement

May 12, 2026 | Featured, School

Families and friends of the class of 2026 of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai filed into the David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center on Tuesday, May 5, to celebrate one thing: Commencement for the graduating class.

The Icahn School of Medicine granted a total of 192 degrees at the 57th Commencement: 110 MD, 54 PhD, 16 MD/PhD, 4 MD/MPH, and 8 MD/MSCR.

It takes courage for the many medical and graduate students to make it through school, and it will take much more as they embark on their next steps of residency and postdoctoral training, said Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine, speaking to the audience.

“For scientists, that means being courageous in tackling the most complicated scientific questions facing humanity,” said Dr. Nestler. “Courageous in not being intimidated by failures or by the enormity of bold and risky undertakings.

“For physicians, that means being courageous in assuming responsibility for your patients’ health, even when confronting the most difficult cases,” Dr. Nestler added. “And being courageous and compassionate in comforting patients and their families when you do not have an answer, when there is no cure, and sometimes not even a treatment.”

The road ahead might be fraught, but the Icahn School graduates are well-prepared to navigate obstacles and ultimately improve society, said Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, Chief Executive Officer of the Mount Sinai Health System. “I think you will discover. I know you will cure. And decrease health disparities and make the world a better place,” he said. “And I know we’re going to take credit for it because we trained you. And we’re almost as proud of you as your parents are in the back.”

The Commencement student speakers echoed sentiments of optimism for the future, but also acknowledged what it takes to get there.

“If I had to name the first theme of tonight, it would be this: gratitude,” said graduating student Katrina Nietsch, who represented the MD class. “Gratitude for the patients who trusted us before we had earned it—who let us fumble through our first histories and physicals, who answered our questions with grace, who shared their stories.” She called on the graduating class to be proud of what they have achieved, and to be hopeful for what is to come.

“We tend to focus on the first or last author and forget the most important scientists of all: ‘et al.’” said graduating student Nesteene Param, who represented the PhD class. “All of us have been ‘et al.’ We have all contributed to meaningful ideas and pushed them forward. Every person in this room, and every scientist we acknowledge in our work, has spent thousands of hours building the knowledge that drives our projects.”

The slideshow below gathers the stories of six graduating students on what it was like being at the Icahn School of Medicine, and what advice they would give their past selves or future students.

Matthew Challman, MD, PhD

Next step: Neurology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital

What was it like starting at the Icahn School of Medicine?

It was 2018. It was very exciting to come here to finally take the next step, to be involved in medicine and research, to do something that I had wanted to do for a really long time.

What was it like going through your program during the pandemic?

I had just finished our first year of medical school, and as I was starting the PhD part of my program, COVID-19 hit. It was a stressful time, being isolated. But I also got to really experience how medicine and research could improve and impact the world. I got to see that through the discoveries and advances made during the pandemic.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

Just drink it all in. It’s a long journey. It will be a hard journey at times, but it’s a really exciting experience.

Jessica Crowley, MD, PhD

Next step: Neurology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

It was so overwhelming and exciting. You’re meeting so many new people. You’re about to start a whole new career journey. I remember my White Coat Ceremony, and it was so special to have my old friends there, family, and also new friends. And now, I’m at the end of this journey, and I get to call those new friends my “old friends” and start the next phase.

What was it like transitioning back to MD training after your PhD?

It was very challenging going from the PhD years back to medical school. It felt like I had lost almost all of the clinical knowledge I had built in the first years, but the residents, attendings, and my medical school peers were so supportive in making that transition smooth.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

Have fun! M1 is your time to explore. The world is your oyster to have every new experience.

Lauren Dierdorff, PhD in Neuroscience

Next step: An associate focusing on biotech and life sciences at an investment bank

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

I started in August 2020, so it was pretty intense due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Right away, I made some really good friends with my cohort, plus I had already been at Mount Sinai previously for a summer program, so I knew some people already. It felt like my home away from home.

Who helped inspire you when faced with challenges?

I am in neuroscience, and in science, experiments fail—most of them. I just kept pursuing my goals, and learned from my lab mates, my cohort mates, and my mentors. They taught me to keep on persevering.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

You will face the impostor syndrome, but know that it is not real. You can do it; you have all the resources and people supporting you. And one day, you’ll be here: at Commencement!

Sunjay Letchuman, MD

Next step: Anesthesiology residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

I was the only person in my class from Louisiana, and I studied business in college. I remembered being uncertain about whether or not I would fit into my very accomplished class. But as soon as I got to Mount Sinai, I realized that everyone was treated as an equal here. It didn’t matter whether you came from a small school or an Ivy League school, everyone started at ground zero together. I remember being really comforted by that camaraderie.

A cherished memory during your time in school?

On my first day in New York City, I didn’t know anyone at Mount Sinai. That night, I went to the gym at Aron Hall and decided to introduce myself to one other person there. His name was Christos, a PhD student from Cyprus. When I told him I was hoping to meet people, he was incredibly warm and welcoming and even invited me to a Mount Sinai social event he was helping organize in Central Park the next day. The event introduced me to dozens of fellow students, and my friendship with Christos only grew from there. We ended up living in Aron Hall for three years until he completed his PhD. He’s now in Boston, so we’ll be in the same city when I start residency!

Any important lesson you’ve learned about becoming a doctor?

The most important thing about becoming a doctor is building trust with patients, so that they will allow you to walk alongside them on their journey toward recovery. Building trust with patients first requires competence. You have to study really hard to learn thousands of medical concepts, so you have the knowledge to help people when they’re hurt. And the second part about building trust is being kind and empathetic toward various patients’ experiences. You want to be able to walk a mile in your patient’s shoes. I’m grateful that Mount Sinai taught me how to become a competent, kind, and compassionate doctor.

Farimata (Fari) Mbaye-Rolph, MD

Next step: Anesthesiology residency at Weill Cornell Medicine

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

First year, I remember being so scared. I was so nervous that it was going to be too much, and that I wasn’t going to have time for friends. I was then surprised by the wonderful community and the flexibility of the classes. It was a really cool time to be learning the things that I had wanted to learn since I was five years old, when I knew I wanted to become a doctor.

A moment where you overcame a tough time in school?

It was during my third-year rotations, it was February—deep winter—and I’m from the south, so I’m not a person who enjoys the cold. I was on my pediatric rotation, getting up super early, going home, studying, my dog was sick—everything was stacking up and crashing down on me at once. But I made it with the support of my husband and friends, who picked me up, as well as a wonderful conference that reinspired me and reminded me why I love medicine. By May, I was back on my feet. Those were a tough couple of months when I really had to lean on the people who knew me the best and cared about me.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

Enjoy it more. Enjoy the company of people around you more. Enjoy the experiences more. Spend 10 extra minutes with that patient. Spend 10 extra minutes with that friend. The first year is a beautiful time in our lives that we will never have again. Live in that moment, and stop worrying so much.

Jeury Veloz, PhD in Biomedical Sciences

Next step: Microbiology postdoctoral fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

My first year at the Icahn School of Medicine was one of resource discovery and learning about my interests in research in biomedical sciences—in infectious diseases specifically. I started in 2019, during the pandemic, so it was a really interesting time for students like myself studying virology. It was a very unique experience that I look fondly upon.

What were some challenging periods during your time in school?

In the beginning, it was adjusting to life as a student during the pandemic. Then throughout the PhD years, there were challenges in research where you had hiccups throughout. But with the help of my mentors and peers, I was able to overcome the challenges to get me to the point where I am graduating today.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

Have an open mind and really put yourself out there. Make yourself uncomfortable if you have to. Put yourself in labs and experiences within the school that you might not have thought to experience previously. Put yourself out there to learn more and grow as a student.

Navigate with the arrows to learn more about the Class of 2026 and their time in medical and graduate school.

Ask the Expert: A Conversation With Anna Barbieri, MD, Clinical Strategy Leader for the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness

Updated on May 6, 2026 | Featured, Women's Health, Your Health

A portrait of Anna Barbieri, MD

Anna Barbieri, MD

The new Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness exists to move women’s health care from fragmented encounters to coordinated, whole-person care.

“We know every woman’s health journey is different,” says Anna Barbieri, MD, Clinical Strategy Leader at the Center. “But too often, the experience feels the same with rushed appointments, disconnected specialists, and the burden of coordinating it all yourself. The Rowan Women’s Health Center was created to change that.”

In this Q&A, Dr. Barbieri explains how the Center was created to move women’s health care from fragmented encounters to coordinated, whole-person care by bringing the right experts together, listening deeply, and creating a streamlined plan that supports the whole woman at every stage of life.

In simple terms, what problem is the Center designed to solve?

Fragmentation. Women are often left piecing together care. They have to retell their story, juggle opinions, and try to connect the dots on their own. We bring that care together. Our teams communicate, share a plan, and coordinate the care so patients don’t have to.

How will a patient’s experience feel different?

You won’t feel rushed or dismissed. We take the time to understand what’s happening in your body and your life. Then we build a clear, personalized plan that makes sense across specialties. Care here is holistic, integrated, proactive, and intentional. We are not taking a symptom-by-symptom approach.

 Women often manage separate appointments for hormones, sleep, mental health, and more. How do you simplify that?

Those issues are connected, so that’s where we start. Our guided clinical pathways bring the right experts together under one roof, and the care including appointments is coordinated by a dedicated navigator—essentially a care guide that helps organize the journey through the health care system. There’s a shared plan and clear next steps aimed at eliminating any gaps.

Many women say they don’t feel heard. How is this different?

Being heard isn’t optional. It’s essential to good medicine. We’ve built our model around longer visits, deeper listening, and a culture that takes women’s concerns seriously.

What does coordinated care actually look like from the patient’s perspective?

Seamless. There’s a clear entry point, a thoughtful assessment, and a plan that unfolds over time. Specialists communicate directly with each other, so patients aren’t stuck playing messenger. The personal navigator is the glue making sure all details are taken care of efficiently.

What about major transitions like perimenopause or postpartum recovery?

These aren’t one-visit issues. We support women over time through education, evidence-based treatments, and adjusting care as needs evolve. The goal is thoughtful help with symptoms and long-term health, not crisis-driven visits. It’s impossible to cover all aspects of these transitions such as emotional health, sleep, energy, and gynecologic health in a single 15-minute time slot. That is why we designed our care pathways to unfold in a way that addresses these and other layers of health. For example, we know that women can struggle with sleep problems, and adequate sleep is critical for women’s health and plays a vital role in regulating various functions of your body.

How do you make sure care is truly personalized?

It starts with listening, but it’s also grounded in data and shared decision-making. Every treatment has its intended benefits and trade-offs. We consider a woman’s symptoms, risks, goals, and preferences and build a plan together. What’s right for one patient may not be right for another.

Who might be part of a woman’s care team?

Depending on her needs, that could include gynecology, cardiology, endocrinology, behavioral health, nutrition, pelvic floor therapy, and more. The difference is that everyone works within a shared model, with shared goals.

What excites you most about the future of women’s health care?

We’re moving from reactive, episodic care to integrated, lifelong care. That means connecting hormonal health in young adulthood to midlife and beyond, integrating emotional and cognitive health, and blending medical treatments with lifestyle strategies. We’re also bringing research directly into clinical care so knowledge advances faster.

Learn more about the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness
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A Tennis Lesson: My Friend Was Having a Stroke While We Played Tennis and Didn’t Know It

Updated on May 26, 2026 | Featured, Your Health

Author David Schwab, left, and his tennis partner James

My friend recently had a stroke while we were playing tennis and didn’t know it.

This may seem hard to believe. But it was confirmed after a visit to the Emergency Room, hours after we had stopped running around the court and smashing tennis balls.

James, 62, is one of the fittest guys I know and one of the most intense competitors on the tennis court. Thanks to medical professionals, he is fine now. After spending three days in the hospital, where he was treated for a stroke and prescribed a blood thinner, he doesn’t have any lasting effects. Doctors are trying to figure out whether this might have been related to a pre-existing condition.

But the lesson is clear: Don’t ignore symptoms, and call 911 immediately if you suspect a stroke, which is the key to recovery and avoiding long-term damage, according to the American Stroke Association. A stroke is a medical emergency and, while those who are older and have existing conditions such as high blood pressure are more at risk, a stroke can happen to anyone, which is the point of Stroke Awareness Month in May.

“We see these kind of cases all the time. Strokes can happen for all kinds of reasons, including in people who are healthy and have minor symptoms,” says Laura Stein, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, Neurology, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, who treats patients and is a researcher who focuses on improving the detection of strokes and the emergency services available to treat patients.

Laura Stein, MD, MPH

“Stroke can be very subtle, and patients need to take any sudden change in neurologic function seriously,” she says. In fact, if you suspect stroke you should call 911 and not drive to hospital. That’s because you can begin receiving treatment immediately in the ambulance and because the 911 response system is specifically set up to take you to the hospital best equipped to treat the type of stroke you may be having, according to Dr. Stein.

On the tennis court that morning, something did not seem right from the outset. When we walked on the indoor court as we normally do about 6:30 am, James told me he didn’t feel great. He asked if I had ever seen streaks of light in my eyes. He said something about “bumping into things” at his house that morning. He said he had trouble driving to the club. I was a bit alarmed. For most people, these signs might be discounted as early morning fog before you have your coffee. But not him. I suggested he sit down on the chair beside the net. He brushed me off and popped open a new can of balls.

Most people may associate strokes with obvious symptoms, such as a drooping face or slurring your words. But other key signs can be more subtle, such as balance loss, vision changes, and speech difficulty as James was experiencing.

So we began playing as if nothing were wrong. We are pretty strong players. We don’t sit around much. Our goal is to hit as many tennis balls, as hard as we can, for at least an hour and 15 minutes. I’m not in such great shape, so occasionally I try to stop early. But he normally won’t have it. We played for 90 minutes as we often do.

Stroke affects women in unique ways. Learn more about how stroke risk changes across a woman’s life, what warning signs to watch for, and steps women can take to reduce their risk.

During this time, he seemed a bit off, not so much in how hard he was hitting the ball but in his manner on the court. He seemed at times a bit subdued, unfocused, agitated. You would notice things like this because this guy is normally so focused when we’re playing.

When we finally did stop, we stood by the net, pulling off our soaked tennis shirts for dry ones and packing our tennis bags. He said he still didn’t feel good. I suggested he sit down. He scoffed at that. But he looked a bit dazed. Some might have that look of exhaustion after an intense workout, but not him. Often he heads to the gym. I asked if he could drive himself home. He paused for a moment, and he seemed to think about that. So I offered to take him. Declined.

I urged him to make sure that he spoke with his wife when he got home; I knew she would know what to do. Unbeknownst to him, I drove behind him to make sure he got to his house, a 15-minute drive away in the northern New Jersey town where we both live.

“Stroke can be very subtle, and patients need to take any sudden change in neurologic function seriously.” — Laura Stein, MD, MPH

When I got home, I was still very concerned. About 20 minutes later I got a text: His wife was taking him to the nearby urgent care center. I was relieved.

The urgent care doctor would immediately send him to the Emergency Department at nearby Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey. The doctor called ahead, so at the ED they were waiting for him at the door with a wheel chair. There were a series of tests. The next day, a neurologist confirmed he had had a stroke, which meant that a clot had blocked the blood supply to a part of his brain. And it probably was related to a pulmonary embolism (a clot in his lung) he had years earlier, something his doctors will be examining further.

 

 

Eleven days later, James and I were back on the tennis court. Since our last session, James had seen several specialists and his own primary care doctor. They told him there was no evidence of lasting damage from the stroke. He is taking a blood thinner and will be talking more with his doctors about what other treatments may be needed.

On the court, all seemed back to normal. But my friend is well aware of how lucky he was. Stroke is more treatable than ever thanks to recent innovations in care. But the fact remains, the sooner you can get care, the better. If you can get treatment for stroke within 4.5 hours of the first symptoms, you are more likely to recover with little or no disability, according to the American Stroke Association. James knows he missed that window, and the outcome could have been much worse.

And he’s not alone in missing potentially alarming symptoms. Days later, Sandra Lee, otherwise known as Dr. Pimple Popper, a dermatologist with her own popular show on Lifetime network, would tell People magazine how she overlooked the symptoms she was having a stroke while shooting an episode.

Fortunately, James now has much to look forward to. He and his wife recently retired. They just sold their New Jersey home of 20 years and are preparing to move to North Carolina and their dream retirement community, where there are plenty of tennis courts. James expects to play every day.

David Schwab is a writer and editor in the Mount Sinai Marketing and Communications Department who oversees the Mount Sinai Today digital news site. He has been playing tennis since he was in elementary school, starting with a wood racquet.

Learn more about stroke from the American Stroke Association
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