West Hudson Valley News

As the approach of Daylight Savings Time (DST) on March 9 prompts a shift in sleep patterns, concerns arise about its potential health impacts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that DST can disturb sleep, cause health issues, and increase traffic accidents and work-safety events.

In light of Sleep Awareness Month in March, Dr. Samer El Zarif from Garnet Health Doctors highlights the importance of sleep and offers tips for maintaining healthy sleep hygiene. According to the CDC, nearly one-third of adults do not get the recommended seven hours of sleep per night.

Good sleep hygiene involves habits that promote better sleep quality and duration. The CDC recommends sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing environment, eliminating electronics from the bedroom, moderating caffeine and alcohol intake, exercising regularly, and managing stress through relaxation techniques.

For those who struggle with sleep despite following these guidelines, Garnet Health Medical Center's accredited Center for Sleep Medicine offers assistance in diagnosing and treating common sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome (RLS).

OSA affects over 25 million U.S. adults but remains undiagnosed in many cases. Symptoms include snoring, daytime fatigue, headaches, dry mouth upon waking, restless sleep, frequent urination at night, and reduced focus during the day. Treatment options include CPAP therapy or surgery.

Insomnia affects 10%–30% of people and can become chronic in some cases. It involves difficulty falling or staying asleep or waking up too early. Treatments may involve behavioral therapy or medication.

Narcolepsy causes overwhelming daytime drowsiness despite adequate nighttime rest. It can lead to sudden muscle weakness or "sleep attacks," posing risks for accidents without proper diagnosis and treatment.

RLS triggers discomfort while lying down due to tingling sensations in the legs. Treatment options range from dietary changes to medication.

A survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine indicates that over half of Americans have never discussed their sleep issues with healthcare providers. Garnet Health encourages individuals experiencing restless sleep symptoms to seek help from their specialists who offer both in-center and home-based diagnostic studies.

To address ongoing sleep issues or schedule an appointment with a specialist at Garnet Health Doctors call (845) 333-7575 or visit garnethealth.org/sleepcenter.