The value of a good night’s sleep can’t be overstated. Unfortunately, one in three adults does not get enough shuteye, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Abha Mishra is a board-certified neurologist, vascular neurologist, and sleep medicine specialist committed to helping her patients get better quality sleep.
SLEEP IS VITAL
Dr. Mishra says, “Good-quality sleep can help improve your overall health and cognitive function and improve mood. It also helps reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.”
Some of the most common sleep-related issues she sees include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Snoring
- Falling asleep at inappropriate times
- Restless sleep
- Insomnia
- Frequently having to nap during the day
- Gasping for air during the night
- Waking up choking
- Daytime fatigue
MAKE THE RIGHT CHANGES
What changes should someone make to improve his or her sleep quality?
“Aim for the same bedtime each night in a dark, quiet bedroom,” Dr. Mishra advises. “Set a comfortable room temperature, remove electronic devices (TVs, computers and smartphones) from the bedroom, avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime and exercise.”
Some of the factors she sees negatively impacting sleep quality include irregular sleep schedules, drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, drugs, physical pain, stress, mental health issues and certain foods.
An occasional bad night of sleep isn’t cause for concern, but if you’re regularly suffering sleep-related issues, it may be time to see a sleep medicine specialist.
CONSIDER A SLEEP STUDY
According to the Institute of Medicine (U.S.) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research, 80 to 90 percent of adults with clinically significant sleep-disordered breathing remain undiagnosed. A sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram, is a painless, non-invasive overnight assessment that monitors your sleep patterns, breathing, heart rate, brain waves and more. The information gathered during a sleep study empowers physicians to create a tailored treatment plan to help patients get better sleep, which can significantly impact their overall health.
“By helping diagnose sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movements during sleep, restless legs and narcolepsy, patients can experience better overall health,” Dr. Mishra says. “Benefits of better sleep include a lower risk of diabetes and heart disease, reduced stress, improved concentration, higher cognitive function and improved mood.”
There are several sleep study locations available along the Coast, including the recently opened Sleep Center Stone County. Learn more by visiting wearememorial.com/sleep.
Memorial offers both primary care services and virtual visits. Learn more by visiting wearememorial.com or by calling (228) 867-5000.
