Sleep Health

Why Sleep Matters

Sleep affects nearly every system in the body. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, the immune system repairs itself, and hormones that regulate appetite, stress, and growth are rebalanced. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and impaired cognitive function.

Common Sleep Disorders

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — Breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to airway obstruction. Often accompanied by loud snoring and daytime fatigue.
• Insomnia — Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restorative sleep despite adequate opportunity.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) — Uncomfortable sensations in the legs with an urge to move them, often worsening at night.
• Circadian rhythm disorders — Misalignment between the body's internal clock and external schedule (shift work, jet lag).

Sleep Hygiene Basics

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
• Make the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool
• Limit screen exposure 1–2 hours before bed
• Avoid caffeine after early afternoon
• Use the bed only for sleep and intimacy
• Get regular physical activity, but not close to bedtime

When to See a Sleep Specialist

Consider a consultation if you experience loud snoring with pauses in breathing, chronic daytime sleepiness despite adequate time in bed, difficulty falling or staying asleep for more than a few weeks, or waking with headaches or dry mouth. A sleep specialist can order a sleep study (polysomnography) to diagnose conditions like sleep apnea and recommend treatment.

Treatment Options

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), oral appliances, lifestyle changes, or medication. A board-certified sleep medicine physician can determine the most appropriate approach.