Epidemic Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are at epidemic levels. Our modern-day lifestyle, including constant views of social media, laptops, cell phones, computers, etc., leads to not only decrease in total sleep time but also poor sleep quality.It is extremely important that at least an hour or an hour and a half prior to sleep we cut off all activities which involve use of screens.

New Posts Coming Soon

So sorry for the long absence. We hope to have new posts soon.

Make Sure Happy Holidays Include Healthy Sleep

The holiday season means shopping marathons, gift giving, reunions, holiday parties... and sleep deprivation. Sleep always suffers during the holidays. There is so much to do that it's easy to say "Oh, I'll catch up on sleep later." But there can be a high price to pay.

There are so many car wrecks during the holidays, and alcohol alone is not always the problem. Sleep deprivation and alcohol make a lethal mix. Having a designated driver who doesn't drink is the most important safety measure. If you drink, moderation is always best year round, but it is especially important during the holidays when people go to so many parties and everybody is exhausted. 

Children Who Snore Need to Be Evaluated for Sleep Apnea

Based on a review of over 3,000 research studies, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently published new guidelines recommending that children should be screened for snoring every time they visit their pediatrician.

This is a groundbreaking step for pediatric sleep medicine. It's a big change. It's important, because it tells pediatricians that sleep disorders in children are serious. It tells parents that snoring isn't just a cute thing where a child is doing something adults do.

Working Sleepy Means Working Slow

By Anuj Chandra, M.D., D.ABSM

When you work late at night, you probably know you're feeling more and more tired. But researchers have found that your actions may get slower and slower, even if you don't realize what's happening.

Researchers in Brigham and Women's  Hospital in Boston have found that lack of sleep can affect how you perform certain tasks, regardless of how tired you think you are. The findings were published last week in the online Journal of Vision.

Narcolopesy Drug is Being Abused

By Anuj Chandra, M.D., D.ABSM

Perhaps it is inevitable in this day and time that some people will find a way to abuse any prescription drug. But it feels more like a personal affront when it's a drug whose proper use is so effective against certain sleep disorders.

Provigil is the trade name for modafinil, a stimulant that was approved by the FDA in 1998 for the treatment of narcolepsy and some other sleep disorders that compromise daytime alertness. It is a carefully regulated drug because it's a stimulant. But a small number of people are obtaining it over the Internet and using is for alertness and cognitive enhancement.

Researchers Have Found Chemical Controllers of Sleep Paralysis

By Anuj Chandra, M.D., D.ABSM

Earlier this month, I shared new research about risk factors for REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, in which people kick or punch during sleep. Now there is more research that points – eventually – toward new treatments for REM Sleep Behavior Disorder.