Saint Margaret Mercy reminds the Calumet Area to
“Sleep Well Tonight for a Better Tomorrow”
National Sleep Awareness Week 2005

HAMMOND/DYER – The release of the National Sleep Foundation’s 2005 Sleep in America poll shows that poor sleep is a problem of epic proportion in this country. The consequences of not getting enough quality sleep are widespread, and they affect nearly every facet of our lives.Yet, too many people ignore sleep as a critical component of overall health and well-being. Many think sleep problems can be ignored, or will go away, without realizing how they are negatively affecting their daily lives.

The public needs a wake up call. All of us need to pay attention to our sleep, and make it a priority in our lives, equal to a healthy diet and regular exercise. “Most people are not aware that sleep disorders can create or aggravate serious medical problems, affect one’s productivity, and generally depress one’s outlook on and quality of life,” said Dr. Naresh Upadhyay, board-certified sleep medicine specialist at Saint Margaret Mercy’s Sleep Disorders Centers.

For many, the road to a good night’s sleep is paved with obstacles – often a sleep disorder, ranging from insomnia to restless legs syndrome to sleep apnea, during which individuals usually snore, experience fitful sleep, and may stop breathing for short periods, in some instances hundreds of times a night. The consequences of sleep deprivation, specifically the “problem sleepiness” during the day that normally follows, can have extremely serious, even life-threatening consequences.

Considering we spend nearly one-third of our lives tucked in bed, you would think we would know how to get a good night’s rest. Not so for many. If you have sleep difficulties, you’re not yawning alone – chances are some of your family members, coworkers and neighbors also have a “sleep debt,” the cumulative effect of not getting the quantity or quality of sleep that one needs. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 40 million Americans are afflicted with more than 70 types of sleep-related problems.

While some sleep disturbances may be linked to biological changes associated with aging or certain physical diseases, especially those that cause pain, others may be associated with a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety. Poor sleep may also stem from “bad” habits such as napping too long or too late in the day, or doing shift work, which applies to nearly one quarter of the population, according to the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research. On the other hand, you may simply not be giving yourself the opportunity to acquire ample shuteye.

If you’re having chronic sleep difficulties, should you merely lie there and take it? “No,” says Dr. Upadhyay. “If you’ve done all you can and still aren’t getting good, quality sleep, talk with your family doctor. If you need additional help, ask for a referral to a sleep specialist.

“This may be needed, in particular, for more complex conditions such as narcolepsy. While this disease is not curable, it is treatable and best handled by a sleep specialist,” Dr. Upadhyay said.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at Saint Margaret Mercy’s Sleep Disorders Center at our North Campus in Hammond or South Campus in Dyer, call 219-933-2118.

Top-Quality, Accredited Sleep Disorders Center at Your Service
Saint Margaret Mercy’s Sleep Disorders Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The five-year accreditation is granted to facilities that fulfill the academy’s high standards for professional quality healthcare and undergo a detailed inspection of the center’s facility and staff, including evaluation of testing procedure, patient contacts and physician training.

Put An End to the Nightmare of Sleep Disorders
A referral to Saint Margaret Mercy’s Sleep Disorders Center includes a complete evaluation for many signs and symptoms which may include excessive sleepiness, loud snoring, hypertension, obesity and unusual behaviors during sleep.

In most cases, testing for the following conditions can be conveniently scheduled on an outpatient basis. Testing procedures include:
Nocturnal Polysomnography (NPSG)—This overnight test consists of continuous monitoring of sleep stages, heart function, respiration, blood oxygen levels and leg movements. Surface electrodes are attached to the skin, making it a painless procedure. Video monitoring is also done along with this test.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)—This test determines the level of sleepiness in various conditions causing hypersomnia. It is also necessary to diagnose the presence of narcolepsy and is performed in the daytime, usually after polysomnography. Scalp and facial electrodes are used.

The tests are for:
Sleep Apnea
Narcolepsy
Nocturnal Myoclonus (restless legs)
Insomnia
Parasomnia (frightening nightmares, bedwetting, sleep walking and night terrors)
Epilepsy