The Doctor Is In: Better Sleep

Content is sponsored and provided by Henry Ford Health System 

Sunday we will be springing our clocks forward, losing one hour of sleep. But what happens when you start losing more than one hour of sleep?  Excessive sleepiness during the day is one telltale sign that you need more z's. The causes of not getting enough sleep vary widely and may be impacted by work hours, personal obligations and medical problems.
Other factors that influence sleep include medications, stress, sleep environment, what you eat and drink and exposure to light.
Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome also play a role in many people not sleeping well.
Sleep deprivation can affect your mood and daily performance. It is also associated with an increased risk of some medical conditions including high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and depression.

Symptoms of being sleep deprived include:
Lack of energy or fatigue
Lack of concentration
Increased errors
Forgetfulness
Lack of coordination
Longer reaction times
Being easily distracted

Sleep evaluations and sleep studies can help determine the causes of a lack of sleep. 
Corrective actions may involve behavior modifications or various medical treatment options.

The Experts: 
Kathleen Yaremchuk, M.D., chairman of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Health System.
Philip Cheng, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and research scientist, Sleep Disorders and Research Center, Henry Ford Health System.