When to seek assistance
We have all had a “bad” night’s sleep. It’s time to seek assistance when you have frequent “bad” nights, and/or poor sleep interferes with daily life. Poor sleep may reduce your ability to learn, think, and pay attention to details. It can increase your risk of accidental injury while driving or operating machinery.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from one of the over 80 recognized sleep disorders, an accredited sleep center such as Iowa Sleep can help determine why you are having those “bad” nights and help you return to a good night’s sleep.
Instead of spending another sleepless night or taking over-the-counter medications, seek the professional advice from a certified sleep specialist.
Suffering from a sleep disorder?
Can’t sleep? Still feeling tired the next day after a full night’s sleep? Do you have episodes of falling asleep unintentionally? Do you awaken too early or have difficulty awakening? Do you snore? Does snoring awaken you or your bed partner? Do you awaken with a headache? Do you have an urge to keep moving your legs at bedtime or have a rhythmic twitching of the legs after falling asleep? Do you have unusual behaviors during sleep such as sleepwalking? These are typical complaints that may indicate you have a sleep disorder. These conditions often go unrecognized, leading individuals to suffer needlessly when testing and effective treatment is readily available.
We can help. The professionals at Iowa Sleep are qualified to diagnose and treat all sleeping disorders.
Beginning the journey to more restful sleep starts with a call to our sleep center. You will have an initial consultation with a sleep specialist who will determine what testing is required. If you need an overnight sleep study, you will spend a night in one of our comfortable sleep rooms. Specially trained sleep technicians will monitor your sleep to help the physician determine your plan of care. After your study is complete, you will meet with your sleep specialist who will review all tests performed and any treatments that may be prescribed for you.
6 Tips to sleep better
- Turn off the TV, computer, iPad, mobile phone and other devices that may be shining in the room, vibrating or causing unnatural light or sounds. Your body is sensitive to it’s surroundings and will not be able to fully rest in such a heightened state. Even digital alarm clocks may be preventing you from a perfect night’s sleep.
- Set the right mood and temperature. When preparing for bed, set the lights on their lowest settings (remember, bright light awakens the body) Install a dimmer switch to your bedroom lights and make sure the temperature is set between 65 and 68 degrees.
- Be consistent in your sleep pattern. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, including Saturday and Sunday. In essence, you will be programming yourself to become tired at a certain time of the day, which will allow you to fall to sleep faster.
- Avoid eating and caffeine. After a certain hour of the day, it is important to stop eating food and drinks, especially those that contain caffeine. It’s best to avoid caffeine within 6 - 8 hours of going to bed. Finish eating at least 2 – 3 hours before bedtime. Also, minimize the amount of alcohol you drink prior to bedtime. Having too much of any drink will result in possible late night visits to the bathroom. Adhering to this advice will not only help you receive a better night’s sleep, but you will likely have more success managing your weight.
- Try exercising 4 – 6 hours in advance of bedtime. Not only will working out help relieve your day’s concerns, but burning away all that energy will naturally cause your body to feel tired and ready to relax.
- Make bedtime a priority for the whole family. Most adults need seven or eight hour of sleep to function optimally. Infants generally require about sixteen hours a day. Children ages 3 to 5 need eleven to thirteen hours; ages 5 to 10 need ten to eleven hours; ages 10 to 17 need eight and a half to nine and a half hours. School aged children benefit from a regular bedtime routine. Be aware that your children may try to push the bedtime limits.
Having someone walk through my treatment options was important to me. I appreciate the advice I have received and think the staff at Iowa Sleep is great!