Wake Up to the Importance of Quality Sleep

As if daily stress isn’t enough of a potential obstacle to a solid night’s sleep, there are many other physical symptoms that can prevent quality sleep.

If you suffer from loud snoring, silent pauses in breathing, abrupt awakenings, dry mouth or sore throat and even daytime sleepiness, it might be time to talk with your doctor about a sleep study.

“People can be reluctant to have a sleep study done because they don’t understand the process,” said Ajay Verma, MD, medical director of the Dr. Clarence G. Glenn Sleep Center at Decatur Memorial Hospital. “But it’s actually pretty straightforward. You come in for the night to a comfortable room, and we place small button-like electrodes on various parts of your head and body. The electrodes enable us to take in data about how loudly you snore, your movements, your sleeping patterns and more.”

Specifics from the sleep study data enable your doctor to then recommend appropriate treatment options. The importance of regular uninterrupted sleep is crucial to good health. Check out these benefits:

• Increases immunity to sickness.
• Helps maintain a healthier weight.
• Lowers risk for serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
• Reduces stress.
• Improves mood.
• Can sharpen mental focus and clarity.

If you have sleep problems, speak with your doctor. A sleep study or other specialty referral may help you determine the root cause.