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Rest Easy 4 CENTEGRA HEALTH SYSTEM Sleeping can become more difficult as you age — it doesn't have to Be that way. as You Age S leep, as the National Sleep Foundation says, should be treated as an account: It needs to be constantly maintained with deposits, and the withdrawals matter. "The common belief that those 55 and older need less sleep is really just a myth," said Lindsay Esch, MD, an internal medicine physician with Centegra Physician Care–McHenry. "There are some factors that can shorten their sleep cycles, but these are disruptions that sap energy." Dr. Esch says that those in the baby boomer generation are susceptible to sleep issues brought on by medications, lack of exercise, changes in sleep patterns and more chronic problems, such as restless leg syndrome or periods of insomnia. Catching Better Zzzs According to the National Sleep Foundation, our "sleep architecture" changes as we age — we tend to have fewer deep periods of sleep and nap more often throughout the day. Dr. Esch recommends adults take the following proactive steps to get better sleep: Counting Sheep Centegra Health System treats a number of common sleep disorders, including: » Obstructive sleep apnea: A person stops breathing and then starts again many times a night, resulting in low oxygen levels, extra stress on the heart and brain and poor quality sleep. » Narcolepsy: A person falls asleep suddenly many times a day. » Insomnia: A person has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep night after night. Don't wonder WHy Centegra's Sleep Services offer a variety of tests to determine if you have a sleep disorder: » Nocturnal Polysomnogram (NPSG) is an overnight study that measures specific stages of sleep, body movement, oxygen levels and your breathing. » Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) titration study tests the effects of positive room air pressure via a mask to keep the airway open while you sleep. No supplemental oxygen is used during therapy, unless ordered by a physician. » Home sleep testing is a home test similar to a diagnostic NPSG but with limited information. It is only used for diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Our sleep rooms offer all the amenities of a hotel, but be sure to bring any books, blankets or pillows that are a part of your sleep routine. Ask your doctor if a sleep study is right for you. Visit centegra.org to learn more about sleep studies at two convenient locations: Centegra Sleep Services–Algonquin (847…854…7250) and Centegra Sleep Services–Woodstock (815…338…2500). START A SLEEP JOURNAL. Note when you have trouble sleeping and jot down possible causes, including any medications you took, foods or beverages you consumed or activities you engaged in before bed, such as watching television. 1 EXPEND MORE ENERGY. Studies show that people 55 and older who exercise moderately on a routine basis spend less time battling insomnia. Plus, boomers who spend more time with others often have an easier time staying active throughout the day, which helps them wind down more easily in the evening. 2 SEE A SLEEP SPECIALIST. Don't be too quick to blame aging when there may be serious medical reasons why you can't get enough shut-eye. Sleep centers can conduct sleep studies that get to the root of the problem. 3 LINDSAY ESCH, MD No energy during the day? A sleep study may be just what the doctor ordered.