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ARCHBOLD.ORG
•
SUMMER 2015
11
Q
Howmuch sleep
do we need?
A
Most people need about eight hours
of sleep at night. It is common for peo-
ple to say they do not need that much
sleep, but experiments have shown that
is usually not the case.
Q
What are some
misconceptions about
sleep disorders?
A
One of the common misconceptions
about sleep that I see is that people
think having a sleep disorder means they
simply can’t sleep. A great number of
people experience excessive sleepiness
as their main symptom of a problem.
They may sleep at night, but they are
also easily susceptible to falling asleep
during the day. A person with a sleep
disorder may also be totally unaware of
any sleep issues at night. That is why it is
always important to talk to bed partners,
family members or others who are more
aware of what is going on with someone
during their sleep.
Q
What’s the most common
sleep disorder?
A
Insomnia, which means difficulty
falling or staying asleep. There are many
different reasons for this problem. When
talking to someone about insomnia,
I discuss their sleep habits. Regular
bedtime and wake-up times are encour-
aged, and people should avoid alcohol,
caffeine and nicotine, especially in the
evening. If people aren’t doing the basics
right on a regular basis, then it can be
hard to get a good night’s sleep.
Q
Can a sleep disorder be a sign
of a serious health disorder?
A
One of the most common sleep
disorders we see is a condition known as
CraigWolff, MD
Pulmonology, Sleep Medicine
McIntosh Clinic
Not noddingoff?
From apnea to zzz’s,
Archbold Memorial
Hospital’s Sleep Center is
here to help. Talk with your
doctor about a sleep study,
or call
229.228.2729
.
ANSWERS TO SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. A per-
son with this problem will almost always
have significant snoring, and a bed part-
ner will often notice episodes when the
breathing seems to stop—this is called
an apnea. A person with OSA will usually
have no idea that they breathe like that.
They often complain of feeling fatigued
during the day. It is important to diag-
nose and treat this condition, however,
because it may worsen heart disease and
hypertension, problems with blood sugar
control in diabetes, and may contribute to
problems of memory and thinking.
Q
What makes Archbold
Memorial Hospital’s Sleep
Center programs unique?
A
There is the commitment to qual-
ity. All of the studies are reviewed by
specially trained sleep technicians and a
physician who is board-certified in sleep
medicine. The studies done in the Sleep
Center also emphasize patient comfort
in order to get the best information
possible. Parents or other significant oth-
ers can spend the night too. The Sleep
Center works with your regular physician,
providing him or her with important
information regarding your health and
being here for you locally for follow-up
and care as needed.