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Posts for category: Sleep Conditions

By Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago
February 11, 2015
Category: Sleep Conditions
Tags: Sleep  

Are you doing what's necessary to get a good night's sleep every night? Getting a good night's sleep can usually be determined the following morning depending on how positive you are and how refreshed you feel, though many Americans today consider anywhere between 7-9 hours of sleep optimal for their performance the following day. But whether you're a night owl or an early bird, there Sleep Apneaare certain habits you might be doing that can hinder your sleep patterns and keep you from achieving that coveted snooze.

At Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, S.C., you'll find all the answers you need for achieving the best sleep every night, as the trusted sleep experts on site make it their goal to put you to bed! They'll also provide you with preventive knowledge that takes into account some of our worst bedtime habits, including watching TV, doing cardio workouts, and checking your phone right before you're about to hit the hay.

One of the temptations many Americans face today involves their smartphones or other communication devices - but did you know that using many of your favorite electronic toys could be wrecking your sleep? Check out three reasons why using your iPad, high-tech phone, or any other electronic device before bed can set you up for a poor night's sleep below:

  • They emit blue light - All electronics give off blue light, which is imperceptible to the naked eye but comes at a frequency that disrupts our body's ability to produce its natural sleep hormone, melatonin. That makes it more difficult for you to fall - and stay! - asleep.
  • They disrupt your circadian rhythm - Your circadian rhythm is your body's natural cycle that keeps your conscious hours and your unconscious ones in rhythm, so you don't have to worry about being awake during sleeping hours or asleep during waking hours! But using an iPad or other electronic device at bedtime gets your circadian rhythm all out-of-whack, confusing your body about when it's time to sleep and when it's time to be awake.
  • They make it difficult to relax - Your emails, missed texts, and Instagram notifications can wait until tomorrow - checking them just before you fall asleep only fills your head with unnecessary stimuli that distract you from achieving a full night's rest!

For more information on why avoiding electronics at bedtime can help you achieve a better sleep, give one of the trusted sleep experts at Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, S.C., a call today at (847) 929-4420 for full nighttime relief right here in Schaumburg, IL!

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By Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, S.C.
December 08, 2014
Category: Sleep Conditions
Tags: Sleep Disorders  

Getting a good night’s rest is a crucial element of maintaining good overall health. It’s estimated that up to 40% of adults experience insomnia at some point in the course of a year. Schaumburg sleep doctor Rosalyn M. Aranas, M.D. is available to help patients who are having sleeping issues, large and small. If you’re having a problem with your sleep patterns, take a moment to understand more about sleep disorders and how to resolve this common issue.

What Is a Sleep Disorder?
A sleep disorder is any condition that makes it difficult or impossible to get a good night’s sleep or stay asleep. You may sleep for a few minutes then wake up without explanation. You may stay up all night long staring at the ceiling or the back of your eyelids but not fall asleep. Sleeping too much can also be considered a disorder. Problems sleeping are often a result of some type of neurological issue -- your brain isn’t receiving or sending the right messages. When you don’t get the proper amount of sleep each night it causes a lack of energy, fatigue and even problems with your mental well-being.

Common Treatments for Sleep Disorders
There are a number of different types of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, snoring, sleep paralysis, hypersomnia, narcolepsy and REM behavioral disorder. Schaumburg sleep Dr. Rosalyn M. Aranas, M.D. offers a number of suggested treatments for patients who have problems getting to sleep or staying asleep. Common treatments include breathing devices to wear in the mouth, medications, dietary changes and therapy (when it is related to stress or other mental problems).

Getting Help with Sleeping Problems
Going days or weeks without getting a good night’s rest is definitely not normal. You need sleep to restore your body and mind daily. Get in touch with Schaumburg Sleep Dr. Aranas of Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago SC by visiting her website at http://www.neurologysleepclinics.com/sleep-disorder.html to request an appointment or by calling (847) 929-4420.

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By Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, S.C.
November 21, 2014
Category: Sleep Conditions
Sleep is essential for our well-being. Sleep helps our bodies to repair themselves and also helps give our minds a break from the hustle and bustle of the day. However, many people struggle with falling or staying asleep. In fact, about 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders each year, and about 20 million more Americans have occasional problems with sleep. If you’ve been tossing and turning into the wee hours, here are some of the most common disorders that could be affecting your sleep in Schaumburg.
 

Common Sleep Disorders

1. Sleep Apnea

Over 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a disorder that causes breathing to stop while asleep. Each breathing interruption lasts for at least ten seconds and will happen intermittently throughout a person’s sleep cycle. Because of this lack of oxygen, those with sleep apnea are often exhausted during the day.
 
Sleep apnea can also lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. However, from oral appliances to wearing a CPAP mask while sleeping, there are several ways to reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
 

2. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

It’s suspected that about 10 percent of the American population may have RLS. This neurological condition causes throbbing, creeping sensations in the legs. You may also experience an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. The cause of RLS is unknown; however, genetics may be the main factor. Lack of sleep and alcohol may also make symptoms worse.
 
Treatment includes incorporating lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise, taking certain supplements, and reducing alcohol intake. Sometimes dopamine-related medications can help control symptoms.
 

3. Narcolepsy

Many people have heard about this brain disorder that affect sleep-wake cycles. Those with narcolepsy will experience sudden bouts of sleep that may hit them at any moment. These bouts can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Narcolepsy can greatly impact a person’s daily life. It can be dangerous to drive a car or operate machinery and it can make school or work a challenge.
 
While there are no cures for narcolepsy there are medications to help treat the condition. Common medications include those that “wake up” the central nervous system (e.g. modafinil), certain kinds of antidepressants and sodium oxybate.
 

4. Insomnia

People that have insomnia can experience a host of sleep issues:
  • Problems falling asleep
  • Tossing and turning throughout the night
  • Waking up too early
  • Feeling tired after waking
Insomnia can be either acute or chronic and can be linked to certain health conditions like depression, asthma or heartburn. Mild forms of insomnia can be treated by incorporating better sleep habits. For those with health-related insomnia, treating the medical condition will help alleviate sleep problems. Also, behavioral approaches such as relaxation exercises may also help insomniacs.
 

Call Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, S.C.

If you think your exhaustion or sleep problems could be due to a sleep disorder, call our office today to schedule an appointment. Nothing is more valuable than getting a good night’s rest!
 
Are you a patient of Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, S.C.? If so, we would love to hear about your experiences below!
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By Rosalyn M. Aranas, M.D.
July 01, 2014
Category: Sleep Conditions
Tags: Sleep Apnea   Insomnia   Snoring  
Many people in Schaumburg underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep until they’ve gone without one. To meet the demands of our fast-paced society, sleep is becoming more and more necessary, though neurology experts have found that people are sleeping at least 20% less now than they did 100 years ago. There are approximately 80 different sleep disorders prevalent in our society today. Here’s a quick look at just a few of them.
 
 

Insomnia

 
People with insomnia often feel they do not get enough sleep at night. If you lie awake in your bed until the wee hours of the morning, but still feel restless, you may be a part of the 30% of Americans who suffers from insomnia. Other characteristics of this disorder include waking up frequently during sleep. Causes of insomnia can vary from person to person, but have been linked to these triggers:
 
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Circadian rhythm disorders
  • Taking certain medications
 
Studies have shown that those who suffer from chronic bouts of insomnia have a significantly higher risk of having serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression.
 
 

Snoring

 
Snoring is a problem that occurs in many adults. A snore is produced by air rattling over the relaxed tissues of the throat. For many people, the noise produced can be quite bothersome, keeping other family members awake. Snoring stems from several causes, but can ultimately be a sign of a much more serious sleep condition—sleep apnea.
 
 

Sleep Apnea

 
Sleep Apnea is a treatable but serious sleep disorder that affects more than 18 million Americans. This condition occurs when the upper airway becomes completely or partially blocked and interrupts regular breathing. Most people with sleep apnea are startled awake when their breathing stops. Risk factors for sleep apnea include being male, overweight, and over 40 years old. However, sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age—even children.
 
 
For more information about sleep disorders in the Schaumburg, IL area and how to treat them, contact Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago at (847) 929-4420.
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