You don't snooze ... you lose
On Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m., Michigan will again observe Daylight Saving Time. However, this is about five weeks earlier than in years past so come Monday, March 10, many of us will drag into work complaining that we did not get enough sleep over the weekend. But a few days after that, most of us will begin to feel 'back to normal' and then on November 2, we will feel even more rested when the clocks 'fall back' an hour and we gain an hour's sleep.
However, for those with sleep disorders, these transitions of springing forward and falling back are more than a mere nuisance. Some sleep disorders are in fact potentially life threatening, but the majority, nearly 95% go undiagnosed and untreated. As a sleep-deprived society that often views sleep as 'optional,' we need to change our attitudes about sleep. Our bodies depend upon it.
Statistics underscore that message:
- 10% of the general population has chronic insomnia
- 1 in 5 drivers admits to falling asleep while driving
- 1 in 3 pilots admits to falling asleep while flying
- 25% of adult males in the U.S. have episodes of sleep apnea
- 25 to 40% of children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD have some form of sleep disorder
"Sleep physicians believe that their patients' sleep habits show up as symptoms while they are awake," said Richard Craig, a registered polysomnographic sleep technologist at Battle Creek Health System's Sleep Center. "With inadequate sleep, a person may become fatigued and drowsy; even complain about lack of energy."
Sleep can be considered a 'change of shifts.' There is the 'awake' day brain and the 'sleeping' night brain. The transition or 'shift change' from wakefulness to sleep normally takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes. The body needs time to properly shut down the 'awake' brain and activate the sleep cycles."
"Many people with sleep disorders tend to rationalize their symptoms," said Craig. "They believe fatigue is just part of growing older. Others think they are tired all the time because they are working too hard. Sleep issues are persistently ignored. Sleep studies can help identify the problem early."
Children are not usually seen as having the potential for sleep disorders. However, recent studies by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine have found that a number of children may actually have some kind of sleep disorder including obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS)-snoring and pauses in breathing while asleep. That is due to daytime symptoms including behavioral problems, difficulty in concentrating, and hyperactivity. Some sleep specialists believe that any child diagnosed with ADD or ADHD should be evaluated for potential sleep disorders before they are put on medication.
The Battle Creek Health System Sleep Center, accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, offers sleep studies during the patient's normal sleep period. Electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors including one- or two-dozen sensors that record limb movements, muscle activity, and breathing patterns are placed on the patient using tape or paste. The tests are noninvasive--there are no drugs or needles used--nothing goes under the skin.
The BCHS Sleep Center has large, comfortable rooms similar to hotel accommodations with full and queen-size beds and private bathroom and shower facilities. It offers flexible day and night hours to conduct sleep studies that fit into the guests' regular sleep time schedules. Pediatric sleep testing and services are also available.
If you have concerns about whether you or your partner has a sleep disorder, contact your health care provider for a referral to the BCHS Sleep Center. Or, if you just have questions, please feel free to call the Sleep Center at (269) 964-5347.
Do not wait until November 2, when our clocks are turned back an hour to do something about your sleep. Remember, 'if you don't snooze, you lose' and it may be more than an hour's sleep.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 12 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System as a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm). HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
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