Memorial Hospital of Tampa

BETTER SLEEP = We live in a 24-hour society, and because many people lead busy lifestyles, sleep often comes last on the agenda. About the Doc Stephen Kreitzer, M.D., F.A.C.P. Sleep Disorders Consultants 2919 Swann Avenue, Suite 105 Tampa, FL 33609 (813) 877-5337 Medical school: Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University Residency: Einstein Bronx Municipal Hospital Fellowship: Harvard University Many of us are already aware that good nutrition and physical activity are healthful habits, but adequate sleep is the piece that completes the puzzle of staying healthy. UNDERSTANDING BAD SLEEP HYGIENE Sleep isn't about being lazy and passive, nor is it a waste of time. The amount of sleep we get each night is directly linked to our mental and physical health. But many of our daily activities cross over into the time we would typically rest—disturbing the body's biological clock. "Nowadays, we keep lights and televisions on, and activities go on late into the night," says Stephen Kreitzer, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.A.S.M., F.C.C.P., Pulmonary Medicine Specialist at Memorial Hospital of Tampa, Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine. "We don't get up when there is light out, and we don't go to bed when it is dark." Participating in recreation, exercising and eating heavy meals too close to bedtime can keep you energized when your body should be at rest. "When we sleep, our body temperature goes down about half a degree," says Dr. Kreitzer. "Eating increases the body's metabolism, which increases temperature and disrupts sleep." 6 Winter 2012 SLEEP DEPRIVATION—NOTHING TO SNOOZE ON A lack of sleep can make us groggy and irritable, but those aren't the only side effects of not getting enough "ZZZs." According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, more than 40 million Americans suffer from long-term sleep disorders, and about 20 million face issues of sleep deprivation. "There are more than 80 sleep disorders—some are genetic, others are related to chronic disorders such as heart disease and obstructive sleep apnea, and some are related to poor sleep hygiene," says Dr. Kreitzer. "These issues disrupt sleep and can have a negative effect on brain function." GET REST AT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL OF TAMPA Problems with sleep can affect quality of life, and some health conditions may even be linked to sleep disorders. The Diagnostic Sleep Center at Memorial specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. The center provides a comprehensive sleep program, as well as the AWAKE support group. Sleep studies are performed seven days a week—day and night. The Diagnostic Sleep Center, accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, can help get you back to sleep. For more information, call (813) 870-2777.

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