Sound Sleep

Sleep studies can help diagnose disorders.

Don't think that insomnia is the only sign of a sleep disorder-you could have a sleep problem that often doesn't wake you. Maybe your spouse wakes you up because you're not breathing, or perhaps you wake up with headaches. Occasionally, you might even wake yourself up snoring. If so, talk to your doctor about a sleep study.

If you need the study, you'll spend a night at the Memorial Hospital sleep lab, where technicians will monitor your breathing and sleep quality. Often, people are diagnosed with sleep apnea-it's one of the most common sleep problems. It's a disorder where breathing is interrupted briefly during sleep, sometimes dozens or hundreds of times each night.

Fortunately, the condition is easily treated with a machine that uses a flow of air to keep the airways open all night. Once treated, you'll find yourself more rested and you may even find that it's easier to lose weight.

Raymond Perkins, M.D., a pulmonologist on the medical staff at Memorial Hospital, says, "People don't understand how prevalent sleep problems are." Millions of Americans have trouble sleeping, and problems include more than just fatigue. People with apnea have high rates of high blood pressure and twice the normal risk of stroke. Plus, fatigue can lead to often-fatal auto accidents.

"Because these problems happen when you're asleep, people don't recognize them, and they slowly get worse." Dr. Perkins explains. Seeking help can improve your sleep and your quality of life. "Sleep is as important as diet and exercise," he adds.

By Stephanie Thurrott