For sleep labs like Starlight Medical Group, when discussing sleep apnea, it is typically from the point of view of a health care provider trying to explain the disorder, or how to treat it.

But what about the point of view of someone with sleep apnea? How does it affect their lives? What do they do differently? And most importantly, do they sleep better, and ultimately feel better, because they received treatment?

Check out the case of William Holloway of Abilene, Texas, and decide for yourself.

As our daily lives are more and more intertwined with devices that constantly connect us to the world, new studies are revealing that we should be more careful about when to use this technology, because it could be costing us valuable sleep time.

The National Sleep Foundation found that 95 percent of Americans use some kind of technology one hour before going to sleep, including 61 percent who use a laptop or computer. These devices emit a blue light from their screens that interfere with the body secreting melatonin, the “hormone of darkness” that allows you to get drowsy and fall asleep. Blue light is also emitted from televisions, cellphones and certain alarm clocks – items typically found in bedrooms. Reading exciting books, watching distressing TV, or playing computer games also interfere with sleep by keeping the mind very active and making it difficult to relax.

These effects from technology may be more commonly found in members of Generation Z and Generation Y (essentially everyone born in 1976 or later). Research has shown these people are most likely to engage in using computers or playing video games in the hour before bedtime.

In a country where 1 in 4 adults do not get adequate sleep (defined as 7-8 hours per night), we should all be more aware of the risks associated with chronic sleep deprivation, such as developing high blood pressure, gaining weight, or experiencing a stroke. Turn off the technology for better rest and better health!

If you’re someone who constantly feels tired all day long, this message is for you.  Listen to your body - it’s trying to tell you something.

Excessive daytime sleepiness is a normal consequence after a night without adequate sleep. Once in a while, sleep deprivation is expected and is not a big deal.  However, when that constant fatigue happens day after day after day, it’s time to take action.  Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to developing high blood pressure, weight gain, depression, stroke, erectile dysfunction, to name just a few.

Besides health problems, excessive daytime sleepiness can lead to other serious issues. The National Sleep Foundation’s 2010 Sleep in America Poll found that one out of five adults reported that they missed events at least one day in the past month because they were too sleepy or had a sleep problem. Annually, over 50,000 traffic accidents in the United States are attributed to driving while sleepy.

How do you know when to be concerned about excessive daytime sleepiness?

A simple questionnaire, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, can provide you the answer to this. In less than 2 minutes, after answering 8 simple questions, you can know if you should be concerned and should seek professional evaluation.

Starlight Medical Group has made this scale available online for people who wish to test themselves. Find out your score today. If you’re concerned about the results, please contact us to schedule a free consultation.

As most Floridians are aware, it can be difficult sleeping when the hot, humid weather settles into the area. But do you know the reasons why?

People fall asleep as their body temperatures drop, and awaken as body temperatures rise. But during the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep, when the body temporarily loses the ability to sweat and shiver, excessive heat will cause people to wake up, sometimes unknowingly.

Most people tend to sleep best when the surrounding temperature is 65 to 75 degrees (18 to 24 degrees Celsius), although there is evidence that some people who live in hot climates become acclimated to sleeping in warmer temperatures.

Tips for Better Sleep in Hot Weather

If you're having trouble getting a good night's sleep, here are some helpful sleeping tips to beat the heat:

• Stop eating and exercising at least two hours before going to bed
• Avoid caffeine products after 2 pm
• Avoid alcohol at least two hours before going to bed. Alcohol is a sedative, but during the night, causes fitful, low-quality sleep
• Take a short nap in the afternoon if your situation allows it

Many people take a vacation during the summer months. Vacations can be very helpful for people with sleep-related issues if they are able to reduce their stress levels by leaving their problems at home. However, changes in climate, time zones, nighttime noises, new sleeping areas and other issues can hurt the chances for improvements without proper planning before leaving for vacation.

Using your head and not losing your cool will help you get through the hot summer nights. If you find yourself or a family member that continues having trouble falling or staying asleep, contact the medical experts in sleep at the Starlight Medical Group for a free telephone consultation.

A new medical research study has shown that people who don’t get enough sleep tend to think about how situations could have turned out differently and may actually blame others for any negative outcomes or events in life.

Symptoms of sleepiness, such as irritability and complaining, are well known, but researchers at the University of Arkansas explored how sleepy people think.  Results have shown that how people think when they are sleepy. Depending on the outcome, people may blame others and seek revenge.

“This study helps to again show the value of a good night’s sleep,” says Robin Trupp, RN, PhD. “Sleep deprivation produces physical as well as mental consequences for health and judgment.  The research indicates that sleepy individuals are either not remembering facts correctly or are dismissing some facts as unimportant, when thinking about events or situations in their lives.”

If you find yourself sleepy on a regular basis and are not sure why, contact the medical sleep experts at Starlight Medical Group.