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Tobacco Impacts Your Sleep
In past posts we've talked about the impact alcohol can have on sleep, which is widely known. Nicotine also has an impact, which seems less well known by the public. Studies show that nicotine changes sleep, so that it takes longer to fall asleep initially, people...
Sleep Interruptions – Not so Trivial!
Many people talk to me about their difficulties sleeping, either difficulty falling asleep initially, or returning to sleep in the middle of the night, or in some cases waking up before they want to start the day. One question that can be very helpful in this...
Women’s Sleep Health
It’s when reproductive years begin that women begin having more sleep problems. Here are some common sleep disturbances by hormonal status. During the premenstrual week, women report having more difficulty falling asleep, sleeping through the night and waking in the...
Timing Light Therapy and Melatonin Supplements
It's been fun to talk with people suffering from Delayed Sleep Phase over the last couple days. There's been some questions about shifting sleep phase using light therapy and melatonin supplements. The timing of these therapies depends on whether you want to delay...
Are you an Owl or Lark?
An 'Owl' is someone whose body clock is set to sleep later than average, and a 'Lark' is someone whose set to sleep earlier than average. It is your inherent melatonin rhythm and temperature rhythm that determine when you sleep. Being an Owl or Lark can impact how...
Sleep Tests during the Day?
Sometimes people also need to have their daytime sleep tested. There are two main tests, the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) or the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT). In sleep centers the MSLT used primarily, so that’s the one we will discuss here. The MSLT is...
How to Have a Good Night at the Sleep Center
First of all, know that almost all people sleep just fine in the sleep lab. Before and during medical school I worked as a PSG tech, so I know this is true from seeing hundreds of people sleep well. You’ll be asked to arrive at the lab about 7pm. You will work with...
Sleep Study Data
What data is collected during the sleep study? There are thin electrodes placed on your scalp with paste, at the outer corner of each eye, and on your chin. These are used to determine whether you are awake or asleep, and what stage of sleep you are in. Additional...