Shakespeare famously praised sleep as the “balm of hurt minds” and “chief nourisher in life’s feast.” Even a brief period of insomnia can re-enforce the truth of these words. Sleep is more than rest, it’s a biological function essential to good health.

NorthShore’s Sleep Disorders Center may help restore a good night’s sleep. Fully accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the National Sleep Foundation, the Sleep Disorders Center uses medical expertise and advanced technology to diagnose and treat the range of sleep disorders. Led by a Medical Director board-certified in sleep medicine, the Sleep Disorders Center treats adults and children and is a community resource to promote healthful sleep. The Sleep Disorders Center can do comprehensive sleep studies, in which patients are monitored overnight in a comfortable, home-like sleep laboratory.

Problems sleeping are common among adults, teens and children, yet many who suffer are unaware they have a disorder. Others never seek the medical attention they need. Help is available. Because of advances in diagnostics, medication and other technologies, there are more treatment options than ever before.


Facts
. More than 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders.
. Sleep disorders are linked to accidents, poor job performance and misery.
. As many as 40 percent of adults say they have some symptoms of insomnia within a given year.
. About 10-15 percent of adults say they have chronic insomnia.
. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can be life-threatening.
. There are more than 80 official sleep disorders, including snoring, nightmares, restless leg syndrome, sleep walking and narcolepsy. Some are common, others occur in a small number of people.


When To Seek Medical Help
Since sleep problems can be temporary, many patients wonder when they should see a doctor. If sleep problems persist for longer than a week, are bothersome, or if sleepiness interferes with the way you feel or function during the day, a doctor’s help may be needed. Excessive snoring or chronic daytime sleepiness can be signs of serious conditions and need a doctor’s attention.


Call NorthShore’s Sleep Disorders Center at (985)646-5711 to discuss seeing a doctor or visit your primary care physician, who can refer patients to the center. If you don’t have a doctor, NorthShore can provide a free physician referral. Click here or call toll-free 1-888-NSRMC-4U (1-888-677-6248).


Diagnosing Sleep Problems
Sleep problems can be complex. In some cases, doctors may want to do a sleep study. Patients arrive at the Sleep Disorders Center about 9 p.m. As they sleep, technologists monitor breathing, eye movements, heartbeat, brainwaves, leg movements and other indicators. The Medical Director thoroughly analyzes the results and prepares a detailed report useful in diagnosis and in determining appropriate treatments.


Treating Sleep Disorders
Some patients may be helped by changes in their diet, lifestyle, daily routines or environment. Common treatments can include medication or special devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), worn at night to treat sleep apnea. Today's units are smaller, lighter and quieter than early models .


A Good Night’s Rest
If sleep problems are taking a toll on your life and health, remember that doctors can help. A good night’s rest can be restored.


Tips For Healthy Sleep

Do
. Go to sleep and get up at the same times everyday.
. Get a full night’s sleep on a regular basis.
. Keep a regular schedule of daily activities such as meals and chores.
. Use your bedroom only for sleep or intimacy.
. Get rid of or deal with things that cause worry or stress.
. Make your bedroom quiet, dark and cool.
. See a doctor sooner rather than later.

Don’t
. Take naps.
. Read, write, eat, watch TV or talk on the phone in bed.
. Have any caffeine after lunch.
. Have beer, wine, or any other alcohol within six hours of bedtime.
. Smoke or take any nicotine before bedtime.
. Go to bed hungry, but don’t eat a big meal near bedtime either.
. Exercise heavily within six hours of bedtime.