Sadly, not everyone gets the rest he or she needs each night. Stress from the everyday hustle and bustle is enough to keep many of us up at night, pacing the floors or watching television.
The Importance of Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your body. This process allows you to recharge your batteries and relax. More importantly, sleeping plays a crucial role in your everyday life by improving memory and learning functions, maintaining a healthy metabolism, and helping immune function. Getting proper sleep can help you feel happy and healthy and even avoid unwanted trips to hospitals.
The Problem with Electronics
Although problems like insomnia and sleep deprivation are by no means recent phenomena, the increased use of technology is creating more and more problems with getting a full night’s rest. Playing video games or even sending emails late at night forces your brain to ramp up its electrical activity. This signals your body that it intends to keep working; therefore, your body remains tense, unable to relax into a restful sleep. The light from electronic devices can also activate your hypothalamus and delay the natural release of melatonin, a natural sleep-inducing hormone.
The Search for Solutions
For the many Americans who struggle with sleep every day, there are solutions. Many hospitals, including Carthage Area Hospital, are equipped with sleep study suites that allow professionals to monitor you as you rest. Carthage Area Hospital offers sleep studies four nights a week, and our sleep center is staffed by a dedicated team of clinicians and sleep disorder experts, including a team of Registered Respiratory Therapists. They gather data from your sleep examination and use it to counsel you toward a better night’s rest.
Sleep Awareness Week
The National Sleep Foundation hopes to help all who suffer from insomnia with their Sleep Awareness Week. During the week of March 6-12, health care providers around the country will work together to educate the community about the importance of sleep and give information on how to get a better night’s rest. Hospitals will also conduct tests to evaluate potential sleep apnea patients and get them on the road to better sleep.
Of course, you do not have to wait for Sleep Awareness Week to get help. If you have chronic sleeping problems, speak to your doctor right away, or ask for a referral to the Carthage Area Hospital Sleep Center.