Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed Sleep Centers popping up all over? Its probably just me noticing, since I drive to every doctors office in Harrisburg and surrounding areas. When did this become a thing? Going to a sleep center? Are we not sleeping correctly? It seems to be a public epidemic. Our harried lifestyles, trying to get in one last task, or perhaps not thinking that sleep is too important?
Habitual sleeplessness is classified as insomnia. Failure to get an entire nights sleep on most nights over a one-month period can be considered chronic insomnia. Chronic insomnia is often a symptom of a serious underlying medical disorder. At least 80% of depressed people experience insomnia. Insomnia cases can be attributed to other psychological disorders, such as anxiety, stress or grief. Insomnia can also result from a wide variety of physical causes, including arthritis, asthma, breathing problems, hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, indigestion, kidney or heart disease, muscle aches, Parkinsons disease or physical pain.
Wearing: Kate Spade Pink Jumbo Jewel Graduated Necklace, Magaschoni jacket, J.Crew Ponte Peplum top, J.Crew Minnie Pant, and Coach Marselle Leather Sandal
Ladies, its not just beauty rest. We all know the importance of sleep, we know sleep helps our appearance, boosts circulation and blood carries the nutrients, growth hormones and oxygen we need to produce collagen, build new cells and reverse damage that ages skin and hair. Sleep also elevates the hormone melatonin, which shields against fine lines, discoloration and even certain types of cancer.
Listed below are a few pointers for better Zs:
Shut down your iPhone
Lay off the caffeine (choose herbal tea after 4 p.m.)
Regulate your sleep habits (turn in the same time every night)
Ideal room temperature (neither too hot nor too cold)
Some people swear by certain pillows or mattresses
Quick question about snoring–does this happen as we age? Snoring seems to be a common problem. But loud snoring can be a symptom of a serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea. People with this disorder actually stop breathing repeatedly during sleep (as many as hundred times a night) due to complete or partial blockage of the airway by tissue in the nose or throat. The resulting low levels of oxygen increase blood pressure and may cause heart rate to slow or stop for a few seconds.
Self-Test for Sleep Apnea:
Do you snore frequently?
Are you excessively tired during the day?
Do you fall asleep while watching TV or reading?
Have you been told you stop breathing while sleeping?
Have you fallen asleep while driving or riding a vehicle?
Do you have blood pressure?
Are you overweight?
Do you have a neck size greater than sixteen inches?
Anywhere from 4 to 9 percent of middle aged men experience Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and 2 to 4 percent of middle aged women experience the condition according to the American College of Physicians. A more recent study revealed the women are more affected by sleep apnea than are men and that women with OSA have more severe brain damage than men suffering from a similar condition.
OSA is an under diagnosed risk factor for heart disease. If you or your husband experience at least one of the symptoms listed above talk to your doctor. Improving the quality and quantity of your sleep can help reduce your heart disease risk.
Your medical provider may write a prescription for you to be evaluated at a Sleep Clinic/Center where your sleep patterns will be examined for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Are you committed to 7-8 hours of sleep every night? Do you notice a change in your face when you dont have enough sleep?
You are absolutely right I have noticed more sleep centers popping up in my area also. I know for me I snore a lot and wake up during various sleep cycles. Since I have lost 10lbs my snoring has decreased and I sleep through the night like a baby and feel rested!
Cynthia,
Congrats on the weight loss, we know that weight loss can make such a difference in our health, physical appearance and sleep!! Thanks for your comment.
I have NO problem sleeping, thank goodness! 🙂 Well, sometimes when I’m stressed but I expect that.
Great informative post as usual.
I do love your peplum top & that gorgeous jacket!
Have a great week!
I sleep more now that I ever did, I think it makes a difference for the better, getting regular sleep.
Good to hear you are developing good sleep patterns, sleep does the body good!! Thanks for your comment.
Happy Mother’s Day Eugenia,
Enjoyed my visit here and this post … our busy lives sure causes many problems.
Hope your Mother’s Day is filled with love.
Wendy
http://simplysassystyle.blogspot.com
Wendy,
Thank you for stopping by my blog and the Mother’s Day sentiment. I stopped by your blog as well, wonderful how we can support each other. Happy Mother’s Day to you if you are a Mom!
I love the look of your peplum top with the cropped jacket. Very feminine!
I ended up begging my own husband to do a sleep study because he was snoring so loudly he kept waking both of us up and I wound up sleeping on the couch most nights. He finally went, and they told him his was one of the best sleepers they’d ever had. 😉
Natalie,
Thank you for your comment regarding the peplum top, I agree peplum tops are very feminine.
Glad to hear the information provided about sleep apnea was healthful to you for your hubby.
Eugenia
Good posting on sleeping habits. I don’t have sleep apnea however, going through peri menopause and menopause can impact ones sleeping patterns due to the decreased hormone levels. I’m experiencing this now myself as I go through perimenopause. However, the good news is it does pass and taking melatonin supplements has been helping.
April, thank you for pointing out a very important point regarding sleep with perimenopausal/menopausal women, I too have occasionally had a few sleepness nights that I do believe directly correlate to changing hormone levels.