Healthy Living Tips from
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | March 2022
HEALTH TIP : Snoozing Your Way to Health
For many people getting a good night ’ s sleep is an elusive dream , and starting the day groggy is just “ the norm .” What people may not realize , however , is that lack of sleep isn ’ t just a lifestyle annoyance . Not enough shut-eye can also affect your health .
“ Obviously when you ’ re tired it can affect your emotional state and mental abilities ,” notes pulmonologist Zeeshan Khan , DO , who also serves as Medical Director of the Institute of Sleep Medicine at Deborah Heart and Lung Center . “ Even more importantly is that lack of sleep can cause serious health problems including high blood pressure , heart disease , obesity , and diabetes , just to name a few .”
Dr . Khan points out that more than 100 million people have trouble sleeping , and are affected by many common sleep conditions like snoring , sleep apnea , daytime drowsiness , and even teeth grinding .
“ Poor sleep quality affects everything from job performance , driving safety , personal relationships and intimacy , to mental health ,” adds Dr . Khan . “ In addition , not sleeping properly can reduce your oxygen saturation levels and elevate blood pressure , which forces the heart to work harder and can cause serious , long-term health problems .”
Searching for Relief
Dr . Khan , however , offers hope to those who are sleep deprived . “ If you find that sleep is eluding you , you can make an appointment at a sleep center . Usually set up like a hotel , sleep centers offer a welcoming place for an overnight study .”
" During a sleep study we are able to monitor sleep quality , heart rhythm , breathing disturbances , and leg movements using small comfortable monitors . Technologists will monitor you while you sleep from a workstation right outside your room and are available all night . The test recordings will be interpreted by a Board Certified Sleep Physician and sent to your referring health provider ."
There are nearly 90 sleep disorders , including sleep apnea , which is when your breathing stops repeatedly while you ’ re sleeping . Some other sleep disorders which can be evaluated and treated by board certified sleep physicians include limb movement disorder , narcolepsy , REM sleep behavior disorder , and chronic insomnia .
Many sleep centers also offer the option of an at-home sleep study .
Once the test results are in , you can get on the right track to sleeping soundly . He adds : " With a customized treatment plan , a good night ’ s sleep can be the bridge from despair to hope and a healthier life .”
To take an online sleep risk assessment ( or request an appointment ), visit DemandDeborah . org and click on the sleep center tab , or call 855-646-3484 .
2022 NJSACOP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES
Police Executive Institute — 20th Session May 9 — 13 , 2022 CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contemporary Issues in Police Administration September 26-30 , 2022 CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Foundation for Executive Leadership November 14-18 , 2022 CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
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