Newsletters 2008

Special Sleep Issue

Contents
Adolescent Sleep by David Daniel, MD
Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Issues by Craig R. Kunz, MD
Women and Sleep by Carolina See, MD
Common Sleep Disturbances in Women by Carolina See, MD
Sleep and Depression by Susan Marney, ARNP 
Welcome New Physicians and Midlevels

Adolescent Sleep
by Dave Daniel, MD, Pulmonary Medicine

In 1997 the National Institutes of Health identified adolescents as a population at high risk for problem sleepiness. Despite this there has been little research into this area when compared to sleep problems in adults.

Poor quality sleep either in terms of length of time or interruptions can have significant consequences.

Adolescents and young adults are four times more likely to be involved in a sleep-related car crash than adults. In fact two-thirds of such accidents occur in teens and young adults. Lack of good sleep can lead to struggles in school and mood or behavior problems.

The first question to ask as a parent is “Is my teen getting enough sleep?” One of the most common problems affecting an adolescent’s sleep is just getting enough sleep. The biologic clock that determines our feeling of sleepiness and wakefulness undergoes changes in adolescence. Many teens don’t feel sleepy until 11 pm or later. However, if they aren’t falling asleep until 2 or 3 in the morning, they may have a problem with sleep cycles. Teens frequently need at least eight hours of sleep, so if they are going to sleep late their brain may not be ready to wake up 8 a.m. or later.

Another problem causing teens to have trouble falling asleep can be ‘electronic.’ Televisions, computers and cell phones in your teen’s bedroom can be a problem if left on. While your teen may not be texting or emailing or instant messaging, one of their friends may be a night owl who tries to communicate late at night.

If your teenager is getting enough sleep, but is still having problems staying awake during school or in the evening, the problem may be disrupted sleep. Problems such as sleep apnea (characterized by loud snoring and changes in breathing patterns) and restless leg syndrome (characterized by a need to move your legs to relieve uncomfortable sensations in the legs) can decrease how much time your teen is actually sleeping.

Unfortunately getting up and going to school is seldom a spontaneous or voluntary event in the life of a teenager and lack of sleep makes it worse.

Here are four questions you and your teen can discuss to see if they have a sleep problem:

• 1. Do you fall asleep in school frequently?
  2. Do you feel wide awake all day long at school?
  3. Do you fall asleep at home in the evening doing schoolwork?
  4. Do you feel sleepy riding in a car or bus?

If your teen is having trouble staying awake during the day and it is affecting their driving or schoolwork or attitudes, then a discussion with your pediatrician or family practitioner may be in order.

Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Issues
By Craig R. Kunz, M.D., Pulmonary Medicine

Could you be sleeping your heart to death? Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common sleep disorder that not only has debilitating effects on sleep, but it is also detrimental t