Have a sleeping problem? Sleep studies could be the answer
November 5, 2014
The importance of sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Even though many of us are hard-pressed to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per day, we all know how important it is to get to bed at a reasonable time.
Getting enough high-quality, restful sleep helps to protect your physical and mental health and overall quality of life. Sleep gives your body a chance to relax and repair itself. When you sleep, your brain recharges, your cells repair themselves, and your body releases important hormones that help you function properly.
Sleep also helps enhance your mood, provide you with energy and motivation, and it reduces your risk of many chronic medical conditions. It can also help to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
Canadians are not getting enough sleep
The reality is that most people are not getting enough quality sleep. In fact, one in seven Canadians has insomnia, and many adults are getting less than six hours of sleep per day. This is why many people struggle to make it through the day, they’re not performing up to standards at work, and it’s the reason drowsy driving has become a serious issue on our roads.
If you regularly lack energy and motivation, feel lethargic, and are constantly tired, you might not be getting enough sleep on a daily basis. If you continue to have issues with sleep, you should book an appointment with your family doctor. If your doctor believes you have a sleep issue, you may be advised to complete a sleep study at a sleep clinic.
About sleep studies and sleep clinics
Sleep studies are one of the most effective ways to assess your sleeping patterns and determine if there are underlying issues preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Sleep studies are tests that measure how well you sleep at night and help determine if you have a sleep disorder. A sleep study generally requires you to spend the night at the sleep clinic, and even though this may not be something you would want to do, identifying a sleep disorder and getting treatment for it can be life-changing.
Sleep studies are effective for diagnosing various sleep-related ailments, including:
- Sleep apnea
- Sleep-related breathing disorders
- Sleep movement disorders
- Restless leg syndrome
- Sleep disorders causing extreme tiredness.
Correcting your sleep is directly related to many common health issues, so it’s important to seek medical advice if you are having trouble sleeping. Sleep issues are not something you can put off, and correcting your sleeping patterns can improve your quality of life and help you become happier and healthier.
Learn more about sleep studies and where to find a sleep clinic near you by visiting the Canadian Sleep Society website.