Do you struggle to lift one eyelid in the morning and wonder how you'll get through the day? It's not unusual to feel tired after an occasional late night, but if you're often -- or always -- sleepy during the day, you may have a sleep disorder.

"Sleep disorders are rampant, and they can have a disastrous effect on the body," says Anil Mattoo, MD, a pulmonary, critical care and sleep specialist at Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center. "Many people don't realize how serious sleep disorders can be, so they don't seek help and their condition remains undiagnosed."

If you have chronic sleep problems, don't dismiss your symptoms. Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center has a new, dedicated Sleep Center where sleep experts can diagnose your condition and recommend the treatment you need to get a good night's sleep.

New Sleep Center is open
Our sleep experts assess patients with suspected sleep disorders and may recommend overnight sleep studies to evaluate the quality of their sleep.

During a study, a sleep technologist attaches sensors to the patient, and the patient goes to sleep in a quiet room with a comfortable bed, TV and private bathroom. While the patient sleeps, the center's sensitive and sophisticated technology measures a variety of factors, including heart and brain activity, the number of awakenings, leg movements, chest movements, airflow, etc.

Physicians interpret the study results and send a report and treatment recommendations to the patient's primary care physician.

"Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the disorder," says Joaquim Silva Tavares, MD, an internal medicine and pulmonary specialist who is board certified in sleep medicine. "Many patients notice a big difference within the first week. They don't wake up as much, they function and feel better, and some patients can reduce their blood pressure medication."

Treatment helps head off serious problems
Experts say everyone should pay attention to the quality of their sleep, and those who are having problems should see a specialist.

"There are more than 80 sleep disorders that, if left untreated, can cause a variety of significant and long-term consequences," Dr. Mattoo says. "People with sleep disorders may suffer with chronic fatigue, have difficulty functioning and be at greater risk for traffic accidents. Over time, they may develop mood disorders, high blood pressure and cardiac problems."

Even children can be affected by sleep disorders. Studies show that children with sleep disorders may display symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and learning disabilities.

If you have difficulty falling or staying asleep or feel sleepy during the day and your symptoms last for more than a few weeks, talk with your doctor. He or she may refer you to a sleep specialist for a thorough evaluation.

To find out more about the new Sleep Center, call 877-9514 or visit our Web site at www.springvalleyhospital.com.

Many Kids Need More Sleep
The 2004 Sleep in America poll revealed some disturbing news about kids and sleep. The National Sleep Foundation's annual survey found that more than 66 percent of kids 10 years of age and younger have frequent sleep problems, and most kids don't get the recommended amount of sleep for their age. Not surprisingly, children's poor sleeping habits disrupt their parents' sleep. The survey estimated that some parents lose as much as 200 hours of sleep a year because their kids wake up at night.

Try These Tips to Help You Get a Good Night's Sleep

• Develop a sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time every night, and wake up at the same time in the morning.
• Get into a routine. Relax and wind down before going to bed. Try taking a bath, reading a book or watching the news.
• Thwart sleep disrupters. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, big meals and nicotine late in the day.
• Stay active. Regular exercise can improve your sleep, but don't exercise within three hours of going to bed.
• Think comfort. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and the temperature is appropriate for sleeping.
• Don't fret. If you can't sleep, get up and do something else until you feel ready to sleep.
• Seek help. See your doctor if these tips don't work or you suspect that you have a sleep problem or a sleep disorder.