5 Surprising Signs You’re Sleep Deprived
Are you a healthy sleeper? How to tell if skimping on your Zzzs is hurting your health—and an energizing plan to get the rest you need.
By Kaitlin Bell, Prevention
article found at: http://health.msn.com/health-topics/sleep-disorders/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100254292&gt1=31019

Our bodies give us plenty of signals when we’re tired, but some of us are so used to being sleep deprived that we remain oblivious to how impaired we really are. Sleep debt isn’t something you can pay off in a weekend, researchers say—it can take weeks of building up restorative sleep habits. In the meantime, here are some signs you might be sleep deprived, and temporary fixes while you get your sleep schedule back on track.

1. You’re flummoxed by even simple decisions

You’re up late one night booking your next vacation, and even though you know the dates and destination, you’re overwhelmed by minor details. Should you get a refundable ticket? Window or aisle seat? Rent a car now or later? When you’re tired, you’re less able to distinguish between important and irrelevant information, such as your seat assignment, according to Sean Drummond, Ph.D., a sleep researcher at the University of California, San Diego. The result: Even the simplest decision takes on exaggerated importance.

Tired people also take riskier gambles to maximize results (Maybe if I wait until the last minute, the ticket price will go down) and have trouble adjusting to changing circumstances (like firming up an itinerary if flying from an unfamiliar airport).

Can’t concentrate? Reboot your brain with these simple tips.

2. You’ve been eating all day, and you’re still hungry!

Studies show that chronic sleep loss can disrupt blood sugar levels and cause the body to produce less leptin, a hormone that curbs appetite, and more ghrelin, leptin’s hunger-stimulating counterpart. Because of these physiological changes, you may be more likely to overeat when you skimp on sleep—and the food you pick probably won’t be either nutritious or a lasting source of energy. Tired people tend to be particularly drawn to sugars and other simple carbohydrates, probably because the body is looking for a quick pick-me-up, says Lisa Shives, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Sleep deprivation also tends to erode self-control, making you more likely to choose a brownie over carrot sticks.

Follow this link to find out all 5 tips: http://health.msn.com/health-topics/sleep-disorders/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100254292&gt1=31019

Good sleep is crucial to a person’s over all well-being.  Poor sleep patterns result in sleep deprivation which in turn can result in daytime fatigue, poor mental clarity, decrease in job performance, relationship problems as well as significant chronic medical conditions.

    The most common causes of sleep deprivation are:

• Not allowing enough time for sleep
• Excessive stress
• Irregular work hours
• Sleep disorders
• Pain from medical illnesses
• Repeated awakening from noises

      Regarding the first 3, you may need to question your current work and lifestyle patterns and choices that may be causing these situations.  I have found dramatic improvements in a person’s sleep, demeanor and attitude in individuals who chose to change their jobs or proactively alleviate other causes of stress. 

   If sleep disorders are suspected such as snoring, apnea, restless leg syndrome and more, careful evaluation and diagnosis is necessary in order to determine which of the many treatments are best for you. You may discuss your sleep problems with your physician or other sleep trained health care providers knowledgeable in sleep disorders. Very often a sleep test will be recommended to uncover the main source of your poor sleep.    

       Once a diagnosis has been made and proper treatment attained, a person often reestablishes good sleep patterns.  Once this occurs, the quality of health and well being often results in a better overall mood, and decrease in symptoms such as drowsy driving, improved daytime focusing capabilities, better relationships, and improved health as associated medical complications.

 For more information on sleep visit National Sleep Foundations’ website: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/.

  Dr. Sosenko is a Diplomate of the D.ABDSM and the founder of Dental Sleep Medicine of Illinois. She offers snoring and apnea patient’s relief through professional oral device therapy for patients throughout the Chicagoland area, including Naperville, Lisle, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Aurora, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, and more. 

 Visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com. For more information.