Sleep Health

How much sleep do I need?

It varies by individual and age. Children and adolescents typically need more sleep than young and middle-aged adults. The average adult needs anywhere from seven to eight hours of sleep per night.

How do I know if I am getting enough sleep?

If you find yourself getting sleepy or falling asleep during the day, you probably need more sleep at night.

What are the pros and cons of napping?

It depends on the time of day and the amount of sleep you have had recently. Most naps enhance alertness and reduce drowsiness. They may also help offset the effects of waking up frequently during the night, especially for older people. Naps are refreshing and beneficial for most people as long as they don't interfere with nighttime sleep. However, naps are not very efficient ways to sleep because you're often just getting into the deeper sleep stage when your nap time is over. Also, overly long naps or naps that occur too close to bedtime can disrupt nighttime sleep.

How does stress affect my sleep?

Our daily lives are filled with stress from work, relationships, finances, environment, health problems or other influences. Your body’s natural response to stress is to release adrenaline which hampers your ability to fall asleep. So the more stress you carry to bed with you, the more adrenaline is released and the harder it is for you to relax and sleep.

How do caffeine and nicotine affect sleep quality?

Caffeine and nicotine are two major culprits that disrupt sleep. They fuel hormone production that raises blood pressure, increases heart rate and stimulates brain activity. Because nicotine is also an addictive substance, smokers have additional sleep problems because they tend to wake up at night with a nicotine craving.

How does alcohol affect sleep?

Alcohol is a depressant, and while it may relax you and help you fall asleep, it also disrupts the normal sleep cycle by reducing time spent in deep sleep. Alcohol is also addictive. So as your metabolism clears it from your body as you sleep, it also creates withdrawal, causing you to wake up.

If I need to participate in a sleep study, what time do I check in and how long does it take?

For overnight sleep studies, participants arrive at our Sleep Center at 8 p.m. Our staff will wake you the next morning around 6 a.m. and you should be ready to leave by 7 a.m. Daytime studies are generally completed by 5 p.m. However, let us know if you need to be awake at a certain time.

What do I need to do to prepare?

Please bring two-piece clothing for sleeping such as pajamas, t-shirt and shorts or sleeping pants. Do not use creams, lotions or gel on your skin or hair. Should you wish, please feel free to bring your cell phone, lap top, magazines or books with you.

Do I need to bring something to eat or drink?

You should eat dinner as usual before your arrive. We will provide drinks and snacks for your convenience. In the morning following your study, we will have coffee, soda, tea and a light snack available should you wish. It is important that you do not have caffeine after lunch on the day of your sleep study.

Can my spouse come to the sleep study with me?

To obtain the most accurate results, adults need to sleep by themselves. Those under 17 must have a caretaker stay with them. If you need special assistance, please discuss this with the doctor ordering the study so we can plan ahead.