Do you snore? Do you often have difficulty falling asleep,
or frequently wake up in the middle of the night? If you answered "yes" to
any of these questions, you may have a sleep problem that is
preventing you from getting the seven to nine hours of sleep
a night recommended for most adults for their good health,
safety, and optimum performance. To help residents in the area
improve their sleep habits, UHHS Bedford Medical Center will
host a series of sessions offering information and screenings
during
National Sleep Week, March 31 - April 6. UHHS Bedford Medical
Center is located at 44 Blaine Avenue in Bedford.
The sessions will provide information about the benefits of
quality sleep and the consequences of unrecognized, untreated
sleep
problems and disorders. Free non-diagnostic consultations and
the latest
information on sleep, sleep hygiene and sleep disorders will
be made available.
Each session will be facilitated by a prestigious member of
the medical community specializing in sleep disorders.
- April 3rd at 10 a.m., facilitated by Dr. David Lain
- April 4th
at 6 p.m., facilitated by Dr. Mansoor Ahmed
- April 6th at 2 p.m.,
facilitated by Virginya Westover, BA, EMT
According to a recent
National Sleep Foundation poll, more than 70 percent
of American adults say they experience frequent sleep problems.
While such problems and the resulting sleep loss are often
due to poor sleep habits and stress, they can also be caused
by undiagnosed
sleep disorders including sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome,
and narcolepsy that can be treated by a physician or sleep
specialist.
Here are some tips to help you get a good night's sleep:
- Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages in the evening.
- Drink
less fluids before going to sleep.
- Exercise regularly, but preferably
not right before bedtime.
- Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime.
- Try a relaxing routine,
like soaking in hot water (a hot tub or bath) before bedtime.
- Establish
a regular bedtime and wake-time schedule.
To learn more about
the benefits of adequate sleep, the serious health
and safety consequences of sleep disturbances and sleep
disorders, and ways to ensure a good night's sleep, register
for one
of the free sessions offered at UHHS Bedford Medical Center
by
calling 440-735-3684.
The Center for Sleep Disorders at UHHS Bedford Medical Center
has as its goal the identification of sleep-related disorders
and the improvement of the quality of life through effective
treatments. Equipped with a state-of-the-art monitoring system,
the sleep center is designed around two attractive, home-like
sleep rooms providing an atmosphere of privacy, comfort and
ease for the patient. If a physician determines that a study
is needed
for an individual, a convenient appointment can be made at
the sleep center. Sleep center hours are flexible and based
on the
patient's life/work schedules.
The National
Sleep Foundation's website has useful information
about sleep and sleep-related issues .
