If you want better sleep, you need to train your brain to connect your bed with sleep. Avoiding things like TV and playing on your phone will help to reinforce that idea. You will fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Below is a list of four steps that will help improve your sleep. Get out of bed around the same time every single day, even on the weekends. Go to bed when you are tired and shoot for the same time every night. Avoid naps or at least limit the time of your naps. If you are not falling asleep right away, get out of bed and do something to pass the time until you are sleepy ..read more

Jet lag occurs when rapid travel across multiple time zones disrupts your internal body clock. Circadian rhythms, in harmony with night and day, control your sleep-wake cycle. Your symptoms may be more severe with the more time zones you cross. Traveling east makes it harder to adjust to new time zones than traveling west. If you are traveling east, try melatonin at bedtime to get to sleep earlier and drink caffeine in the morning to help you wake up until you feel adjusted to the time zone. Before traveling, try to get plenty of sleep for several days leading up to your travel. It is good to ..read more

Physical changes, fluctuating hormones, and stress of pregnancy may affect sleep. Some causes include: Nausea and vomiting. Back pain. Frequent/increased urination. Heartburn. Restless legs syndrome. As a good night’s sleep is vital for physical and mental wellbeing, it is important to have a consistent sleep schedule. Try to reduce daytime naps so you are able to sleep longer at night. Also, leg massages may help to reduce restless legs and leg cramps. American Academy of Sleep Medicine (sleepeducation.org) The post Sleep During Pregnancy appeared first on Lakeland Regional Health Sleep Dis ..read more

Somewhere between sleep and wakefulness, people often experience sleep paralysis. This is an unsettling experience that can be accompanied by vivid hallucinations and a sense of “impending doom.” Five Little-Known Facts About Sleep Paralysis: According to research, approximately 8% of the population will experience this phenomenon. If you have preexisting psychiatric conditions, like anxiety or depression, you may be more prone to experience sleep paralysis. Vivid hallucinations may occur during sleep paralysis. Researchers believe this happens when the brain is not able to properly transitio ..read more

Did you know sleep disorders may impact your heart health, including heart arrythmias, plaque buildup, heart failure, and coronary artery disease? According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, statistics show that 50-70 million adults in America suffer from a chronic sleep disorder. Poor sleep quality and not enough sleep are both associated with elevated blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, strokes, and heart attacks. If you do not sleep well, we offer a variety of sleep studies that can help determine your sleep health. See this link for additional information. American Acade ..read more

Sleep disorders like chronic insomnia and sleep apnea are treatable with medication and/or CPAP machines. However, a lot of sleep problems don’t require these steps. Avoiding caffeine late in the day and spending more time outdoors can make a huge difference in your sleep pattern! About 70 million people are diagnosed each year with sleep disorders. Some are more common, like insomnia, jet lag, sleepwalking, snoring, and restless legs syndrome, while others are more rare. All sleep disorders are treatable. Found out more about sleep disorders here and learn about sleep study options, including ..read more

The quality of your sleep can be impacted by normal daily routines, including how you schedule your days, medications you take, what you eat and drink, and how you spend your evenings. The slightest of adjustment may mean the difference between a sound sleep and a restless night. 10 tips for healthy sleep: Maintain a regular schedule by getting up at the same time every day, even on weekends and during vacations. Go to bed early enough for you to get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep. Keep your bedroom quiet with a comfortably cool temperature. Avoid too much caffeine in the late afternoon or eve ..read more

Sleep is essential to both your physical health and mental health. It helps you feel more energetic and can help you feel more optimistic. It is just as important to your health as diet and exercise. During periods of rest, your body repairs and heals itself. With a good night of healthy sleep, you will be refreshed and ready to take on the day! Healthy sleep helps you: Lower your risk for serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease Prevent and manage mental health problems Get sick less often Improve brain health and help prevent Alzheimer’s Maximize immunity from va ..read more

If you experience insomnia, nights often feel like they last forever. Chronic insomnia is more than just a sleepless night. You may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up much earlier than you wanted. Chronic insomnia may lead to: Daytime fatigue Problems with concentration Irritability Lower energy levels Depression Anxiety Substance abuse Additionally, Alzheimer’s disease has been linked with impaired sleep and studies have shown there is a 28% higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes. If you believe you suffer from chronic insomnia, see us today! American Academy of ..read more

Seasonal allergies can play a big part in our ability to get a good night’s sleep. Nasal congestion is one of the most common problems, which makes breathing through your nose difficult. This in turn can lead to snoring or worsen your obstructive sleep apnea. Here are some tips to help alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms: Stay indoors during peak allergy season Use an air purifier in the house Wear a mask when you are outdoors Use over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants or nasal sprays American Academy of Sleep Medicine (sleepeducation.org) The post Seasonal Allergies and Sleep appear ..read more