LCM's Sleep Disorder's Center Helps you Seize the Z's Sleep Awareness Week - March 1 - 8, 2009
Little Company News
03/02/2009
EVERGREEN PARK, Illinois - February 26, 2009 - An estimated 70 million people in the United States suffer from sleep problems, which not only disrupt sleep but also can disturb a bed partner's sleep because of problems such as snoring. Although millions of people in this country suffer from sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, many don't recognize the symptoms or realize they can be successfully treated.
Little Company of Mary's Sleep Disorders Centers joins the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) to observe National Sleep Awareness Week (March 1 - 8, 2009), which coincides with the beginning of Daylight Saving Time, March 8, when we turn our clocks forward one hour and therefore risk losing an hour of sleep. NSF's annual 'Sleep in America' polls show that it is an hour of sleep that most Americans can't afford to lose. During National Sleep Awareness Week, experts at Little Company of Mary's Sleep Disorders Center urge area residents with problems sleeping or excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue improve their sleep and quality of life.
Sleep problems like snoring usually becomes more serious as people age. It can lead to an un-refreshing sleep, which contributes to poor daytime function. Snoring associated with breathing pauses or gasping during sleep, and persistent unrefreshing sleep, can be a symptom of sleep apnea, a potentially serious medical condition. Sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. Sleep apnea also increases the risk of automobile accidents, and can cause mood alterations and difficulty with memory and concentration.
"Sleep disorders are extremely common in our society,' says Richard Kern, M.D., sleep specialist and medical director of Little Company of Mary's Sleep Disorder Center. 'Unfortunately, many people with symptoms of disturbed sleep, excessive daytime tiredness or sleepiness or abnormal behavior during sleep are undiagnosed and treated.'
To learn if you have a sleep disorder, please review the following symptoms or signs:
· Loud snoring
· Breathing pauses during sleep
· Difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep
· Restless legs interfering with falling asleep or staying asleep
· Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
· Difficulty breathing, choking, or gasping during sleep
· Unusual behavior during sleep
· Irregular sleep/wake patterns
If you have one or more of the symptoms and signs listed above, consult the sleep specialists at Little Company of Mary's Sleep Disorders Center. A specialist will review your history to determine proper diagnosis and treatment. Call the professionals at Little Company of Mary Hospital's Sleep Disorders Center at 708.423.REST (7378). We can help you seize those Z's!
Little Company of Mary Hospital Sleep Disorders Center is the premier provider of sleep disorder evaluations and offers sleep studies in the comfort of a bedroom-like environment. The Center uses state-of-art technology to monitor and test sleep patterns in a safe 24-hour secure location. The Sleep Disorders Center has more than 40 years experience conducting sleep studies to help patients who with apnea, insomnia, and other sleep disorders get much needed relief they need. Sleep evaluations and studies are covered by most insurance. Accessible scheduling and prompt review of reports results in speedy diagnosis and treatment of the problem.
###
