What your brain does while you're catching zzz's each night?

Are you getting enough sleep? Today, in an effort to better understand the role of sleep in our lives, I ask a very basic question: What happens when our heads hit the pillow at night?

Topics: trouble sleeping, apnea, napping, circadian rhythm, sleep hygiene

 

Most likely you’re overworked.  You’re stressed out, you haven’t had a vacation in a while, and you’re sleeping less.  You’re waking up earlier and going to bed later in an effort to get more done.  According to a recent NPR story, Americans are even taking less vacation to accomplish more.  Some are even doing significant work while on vacation.  And there is a ton of research that shows how Americans are sleeping less and less, year over year. 

Topics: sleep disorders, apnea, napping, environment

Many older adults tend to have trouble sleeping, but for people who suffer from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, they have an even harder time. Alzheimer’s may reverse a person’s sleep-wake cycle, causing daytime drowsiness and nighttime restlessness. As Alzheimer’s continues to progress, these sleep disturbances often increase. With more severe forms of dementia, people tend to be sleepier during the day, which can cause their sleep at night to become fragmented and disrupted. It is common for people suffering from both dementia and Alzheimer’s to constantly wake at night and fall asleep during the day.

Topics: alaska sleep clinic, Sleep, insomnia, sleep apnea, trouble sleeping, Narcolepsy, napping, tired

 

Naps can be a wonderful thing. They can increase alertness, improves learning and working memory, improves your mood, prevents burn-outs, heightens creativity, and improves overall health - why wouldn't you take a nap during the day?
Here are 5 ways that you can nap more effectively.  

Topics: napping