CHI - St. Anthony

F atigue, snoring, and diculty falling asleep or staying asleep may seem like harmless annoyances. But sleep disruptions that occur night after night can signal a sleep disorder. Resist the temptation to simply drink an extra cup of coee and power through sleepiness the next day. Sleep disorders can cause a variety of health concerns, including weight gain and depression. You should see your doctor if you frequently experience fatigue or interrupted sleep, especially if you've been told you snore. Snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition that occurs when people stop breathing for short periods during sleep. If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. A RESOURCE FOR FITFUL NIGHTS The Sleep Disorders Lab at CHI St. Anthony Hospital oers sleep studies for children and adults to diagnose conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. During a sleep study, individuals spend the night at the Sleep Disorders Lab in a bedroom similar to a hotel room. While they sleep, equipment monitors various vital signs, including oxygen levels, eye movement, and the heart's rhythm. Sleep specialists use this information to form a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan, which may include medication or a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device to keep the airway open and prevent pauses in breathing. "People often take sleep for granted," says Katy Norton, RPSGT, RST, Supervisor of the Sleep Disorders Lab at CHI St. Anthony Hospital. "But sleep is essential to your overall health and should be a priority in your life. We're here to help you get on the right track to excellent sleep health." To learn more about the Sleep Disorders Lab at CHI St. Anthony Hospital, call 541-278-3685 or visit sahpendleton.org, select "Our Services," and choose "Sleep Disorders Lab." If you use a smartphone, tablet, or laptop before bed, you may have a dicult time falling asleep. The articial blue light emitted by these devices can wreak havoc on the production of melatonin, a hormone your body releases at night to help you feel tired and prepare for sleep. Many sleep experts recommend avoiding electronics for two hours before bed to prevent articial light from disrupting melatonin production. But a recent study conducted by researchers at Manchester University in the United Kingdom reveals this may not be enough. To maximize the restorative power of sleep, you need to rest in a completely dark environment. The light glow your phone produces while charging overnight may be enough to disrupt melatonin and cause weight gain, even if you're not using the device. So turn your phone o before bed. Better yet, leave it in the other room to reduce temptation. If you wake each morning feeling less than refreshed, your body may be trying to tell you something. Getting to the Bottom of Sleep Woes MILLION AMERICANS An estimated 50-70 Beware the Blue Glow have chronic sleep disorders CATHOLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES /// sahpendelton.org 5

• Cover