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Putting Sleep Disorders to Rest
It's certainly not unusual to long for
an afternoon nap. But continual
daytime drowsiness could be the
result of a sleep disorder. Read on for
three common causes and tips for
reclaiming your ZZZs.
Snoring
"Snoring happens when something
blocks the flow of air at the back
of your mouth or nose," says Peter
McGuire, M.D., a fellowship-trained
sleep disorders specialist and pulmonologist
at Riverview Medical Center.
"Chronic snoring often can be blamed
on anatomy. For instance, large tonsils
can block the air passage at the back of
your throat. So, too, can excess weight."
Dr. McGuire offers the following
strategies for reducing or preventing
occasional snoring:
- Prop up the head of your bed with 4-inch blocks.
- Try to sleep on your side.
- Try over-the-counter adhesive strips for your nose.
Mild, persistent snoring could be a
sign of a sleep disorder, and heavy snorers
should consult a doctor about other
treatments. Loud, chronic snoring is
linked to a higher risk for heart disease
and may be a symptom of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition in which
nighttime breathing briefly stops during
sleep — sometimes as often as 20
or 30 times per hour. Along with snoring,
signs of sleep apnea may include:
- Choking and/or gasping at night
- Headaches upon awakening
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
"If you notice symptoms of sleep
apnea, tell your doctor," Dr. McGuire
says. "This disorder may result in heart
rhythm problems, high blood pressure,
or even a heart attack or stroke.
It could also be associated with poor
work performance, as well as poor
motor function and auto and workrelated
accidents."
Mild sleep apnea sometimes can
be treated with lifestyle changes,
such as losing weight and avoiding
alcohol, tobacco, and sleeping pills.
The most common and effective
medical treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP),
where a mask attached to an air
pump keeps breathing passages
open during sleep.
Rest less Leg Syndrome
If you feel burning, tugging, or crawling
sensations deep inside your calves
when your legs are still, you could
have restless legs syndrome (RLS).
"RLS is a neurological disorder that
is probably caused by many factors,"
Dr. McGuire says. "These include genes,
low iron levels, and health conditions
such as diabetes and kidney failure."
These tips may help give restless
legs the boot:
- Experiment with heat and cold, using heating pads, ice packs, and hot or cold water.
- Massage your legs and do some stretches.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
- Keep your mind busy with a good book when you must stay seated.
"See your doctor if you can't
kick the symptoms on your own,"
Dr. McGuire says. "There isn't a cure,
but treatment can control symptoms
and improve sleep."
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All three Meridian Health hospitals offer sleep centers to help you reclaim your sleep.
- Riverview Medical Center (two convenient locations): 732-530-2316
- Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Ocean Medical Center: 1-800-753-3779
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