Snoring isn’t a life sentence
Getting more rest with the Sleep Disorders Center
Chronic sleep disorders can cause a tremendous amount of disruption in the lives of the person with the disorder and their loved ones. In fact, it’s estimated that 20% of Americans under 60, and 40% over 60 have trouble sleeping.
Often the impact of problems like excessive snoring may seem like a problem for those sleeping nearby. But it could be a sign of a more serious problem like sleep apnea… and it may cause sleeping difficulties that result in daytime tiredness that impacts mental performance at work or school, as well as memory and concentration problems.
Of course, getting the man in your life to take the next step toward getting treatment for a sleeping disorder can be a tall order. But he might be more inclined to seek treatment if you identify any of the following symptoms, and let him know there could be a way to correct them:
- Loud snoring
- Snorting
- Gasping for breath
- Waking up feeling restless
- Daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Impaired alertness and mental capacity
- Personality changes
The Lancaster General Sleep Disorders Center, located at Lancaster General Hospital and at the Kissel Hill Health Center, specializes diagnosing and treating common sleep-related disorders, including:
- Sleep apnea
- Narcolepsy
- Delayed sleep phase syndrome
- Sleepwalking
- Sleep talking
- Nightmares
- Nighttime convulsions
- Abnormal sleep/wake rhythms
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
The sleep centers feature state-of-the-art study rooms, designed with the comforts of home, where sleep technicians can monitor your body while you sleep to diagnose your condition.
There are many treatment options, depending upon the condition and its severity. Some conditions can improve with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding the use of alcohol and tobacco, weight loss and changes in sleep position. Some cases of sleep apnea could require physical or mechanical therapy such as a sleep mask that uses pressure on the nose to improve air flow. Severe cases could require surgery.
Improving quality of sleep
- Fortunately, for there are things we can try that can improve our quality of sleep:
- Get plenty of physical and mental exercise. (40 minutes or more daily is recommended)
- Develop appropriate and consistent bedtime cues
- Eat smaller evening meals
- Do not eatmeals close to bedtime
- Eat a diet high in fiber, but low in fat, animal protein and sugar
- Avoid drinking alcohol after 7 p.m.
- Avoid caffeine after 5 p.m.
- Avoid napping
- Get up at the same time every day
- Practice good stress management techniques to avoidanxiety and depression
- Use the bedroom only for sleep and sex
- Go to bed only when drowsy
- Wind down 2-3 hours before bedtime
- Maintain appropriate, healthy body weight
- Create a bedroom environment that contributes to sleep
If you think a man in your life would benefit from a consultation at the Sleep Disorders Center, talk to him about talking to his doctor or a pulminologist. A referral from a pulminologist is required before diagnosis can begin at the Sleep Disorders Center.
For more information, call 544-5910.
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