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From Blackberrys to babies, there are a variety of reasons why most
of us don't get enough Zs at night. "Most people need about
seven to eight hours of sleep a night," says Dr. Raymond Santucci,
Medical Director of the Sleep Disorder Center for Lee Memorial
Health System.
 Getting
enough hours of sleep not only helps you feel fully rested, but it
is also crucial for providing your body the time it needs to get
enough deep REM sleep. Consistent sleep deficits may lead to
increased stress, hypertension and high blood pressure, as well as
decreased concentration and immune function. "Studies have
shown that sleep is also an important time for the brain to
problem-solve," says Dr. Santucci.
Environment can have a big impact on both the quantity and
quality of your sleep, including room temperature, light sources,
noise levels and the comfort of the sleeping surface.
"The TV and computer are two common sources of artificial light
that people may not realize have a direct impact on their sleep
quality," says Dr. Santucci. "The light they give off tricks
your brain into thinking its daytime and throws off your body's
natural sleep rhythms. I recommend turning both devices off no
later than 9 or 9:30 p.m. each night."
Lifestyle habits also can play a role in getting a good night's
rest. Tips include eating smaller dinners, avoiding exercise
or other strenuous activity shortly before bedtime, going to bed and
getting up at similar times each day and limiting fluids and
stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine, in the evening hours.
"You also want to avoid alcohol before bedtime," says Dr. Santucci.
"Even though it is a depressant, it actually fragments your sleep
and inhibits the body's ability to get good quality REM sleep."
It's a good idea to check with your doctor if you feel
excessively tired throughout the day for more than a week, if you
frequently wake up with a headache or if you have palpitations
(unusual heartbeat) or extreme sweating during the night.
"These symptoms could be a sign of a medical condition that needs
further examination," says Dr. Santucci.
LMHS' Sleep Disorder Center has locations in Fort Myers and Cape
Coral. The Center offers testing and treatment for a variety
of sleep disorders for both adults and children, including sleep
disordered breathing, insomnia, narcolepsy, periodic limb movement
disorders and more. For more information, call
239-985-8685.
Raymond Santucci, M.D.
HealthPark Pulmonary Specialists
9981 S.
HealthPark Dr., #454
Fort
Myers, FL 33908
239-343-6800 |
