FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) — Sleep is a big factor in your overall health, according to one local expert.
“Sleep is the foundation of your health,” says Dr. Esbel Holden of the Lung Center of Florence. He works closely with North Alabama Medical Center and Helen Keller Hospital.
It’s a key part of your everyday routine.
“7-8 hours, it turns out that’s optimal for your sleep health. With that, our brains go through certain stages and cycles of sleep; we all do it every night, and it turns out that 7-8 hour intervals are ideal for you completing those cycles of sleep to help you feel rested,” Dr. Holden said.
But getting good sleep is more important, and if you are not getting good sleep, you may have an underlying sleep disorder, according to Dr. Holden.
Some symptoms of sleep disorders include not being able to sleep, sleeping too much or not getting adequate sleep through the night.
“Insomnia is the most common sleep problem we encounter, and people basically have difficulty with initiating continued sleep. There is a variety of environmental factors that can impact,” Dr. Holden said.
Dr. Holden says another sleep disorder that he sees frequently is sleep apnea.
“Disordered breathing at night, that’s when your upper airway relaxes, it can narrow to the point where you don’t get good raspatory effort that triggers arousal, so even if you are unconscious, you still don’t get adequate sleep,” Dr. Holden said.
Dr. Holden says it’s important to have a set time to go to bed at night, also stay off any electronics, and make sure the room is dark and cool.
If you are constantly having trouble sleeping, Dr. Holden said to come see him. His office is called “The Lung Center” and is located at 3905 Peach Street in Florence.
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