How much sleep is enough? Infants typically need about 16 hours a day. Teenagers require about nine, while the elderly may need only six. Adults should average seven or eight hours, although some may need only five but others have to have as many as 10 hours each day. Not getting enough sleep can have negative effects on your health in both the short and long term.

To help raise awareness of the importance of good sleep habits, The Sleep Center at Houston Northwest Medical Center will recognize March 7 to 13 as National Sleep Awareness Week. An on-line screening quiz is available on the hospital’s website at www.hnmc.com/SleepQuiz to learn more about how to get a good night’s rest, snoring, and sleep quality. For an informative overview on why sleep is important, facts about sleep disorders, and help for sleep problems, visit www.hnmc.com/Sleep.

From jet lag to insomnia, sleep apnea to sleepwalking, there are more than 80 documented sleep disorders. Other people may have poor sleep habits that prevent them from getting a good night’s rest, such as staying up too late or getting up too early. But regardless of the cause, inadequate sleep can harm your health, contribute to poor school or work performance, and increase the risk of injury. In the short term, sleep deprivation can cause:

·         Abbreviated attention spans and poor concentration.

·         Impaired memory and cognitive ability.

·         Increased risk of occupational injury.

·         Higher risk of automobile injury.

Most disorders that cause poor sleep or sleep deprivation can be diagnosed and treated. However, if sleep problems continue, they can cause numerous, serious medical illnesses, including high blood pressure, heart attack and heart failure, stroke, obesity, depression, attention deficit disorder, mental impairment, growth retardation for fetuses and children, and poor quality of life.

If you have a sleep disorder, you are not alone. Approximately 40 million Americans suffer from chronic, long-term sleep disorders annually and another 20 million experience occasional sleep problems. You can take steps to get a better night’s rest and improve your sleep.

·         Go to bed only if you are sleepy.

·         Get out of bed if you cannot fall asleep in about 20 minutes.

·         Have a pre-sleep ritual that can help you relax.

·         Go to bed and get up at approximately the same time every day.

·         Avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine and heavy, spicy and sugary foods before bedtime.

·         Exercise on a regular basis (but not right before going to bed).

·         Make your sleeping area quiet, dark and a little cool.

·         Try not to take sleeping pills, or use them with caution.

·         Avoid daytime naps if possible.

·         Have a small snack before bed so you do not go to bed hungry.

Factors that can interrupt sleep include physical problems such as arthritis or acid reflux, psychological issues including stress and depression, or certain medications that have a side effect of sleeplessness. You should talk with your doctor if you find that your sleeping problem persists, occurs more than three nights per week for longer than one month, or you have other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. For a physician referral, call 281-580-0000.

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About Houston Northwest Medical Center

Houston Northwest Medical Center is located at 710 F.M. 1960 West in Houston. The hospital has been serving the north Houston community for more than 35 years, providing a wide range of medical services that includes cardiology, maternity care, neonatal intensive unit, pediatrics, bariatrics and neurology. Houston Northwest Medical Center is the only hospital in Houston designated a Cycle III Accredited Chest Pain Center by the Society of Chest Pain Centers and is among an elite group of hospitals nationwide – and only two in Texas – named by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement as a Mentor Hospital for heart attack. The hospital is also recognized by the American Heart Association with the Get With The Guidelines–Gold Performance Achievement Awards for Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Failure. Houston Northwest Medical Center is the only hospital in Texas to be recognized as a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence™ by the National Consortium of Breast Centers. The hospital is also designated a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. To learn more about Houston Northwest Medical Center, a facility accredited by The Joint Commission, visit www.hnmc.com.