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Did you know that not getting enough sleep can literally kill you? Today begins National Sleep Awareness Week and our feature broadcast is specifically designed to make you aware of the importance of sleep.

We visit the Sleep Center at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital and talk with Dr. Russell Gombosi and Bonnie Kendrick, RPSGT. We also get the opportunity to tour the sleep center. Best of all, we find out just what happens while we sleep and the huge physical dangers of not getting enough.

The Sleep Center can diagnose and treat a variety of sleep disorders. Untreated, sleep disorders may negatively affect an individual’s quality of life and make it hard to carry out daily activities. These disorders may also contribute greatly to life-long medical problems such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

If you sleep with a snorer, you’ve probably spent many sleepless nights yourself. Loud snoring is often a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes the snorer to actually stop breathing for minutes at a time, creating a potentially life threatening situation. Untreated, the condition may contribute to daytime sleepiness and trigger high blood pressure, heart failure and stroke. Studies suggest sleep apnea is a direct cause of heart disease. Fortunately, Susquehanna Health’s sleep specialists are able to diagnose breathing disorders and help prevent possible consequences.

Insomnia

Difficulty falling asleep or frequent waking during the night are signs of insomnia. Persistent insomnia leaves you feeling tired, depleted and irritable. Insomnia maybe triggered by stress, depression, medicine, an irregular sleep schedule or physical illness.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a neurological condition characterized by daytime sleep attacks, sleepiness and lack of energy. If you have this disorder, you may also find that your muscles weaken when you are angry, excited, surprised or amused. Other symptoms may include disturbing dreams at sleep onset and muscle paralysis when you are falling asleep or awakening.

Restless Sleep

Involuntary leg twitching and jerking may disrupt your sleep, leaving you tired and sleepy during the day. Cramping and leg discomforts are other symptoms of this common sleep problem.

Thanks for watching and GET SOME SLEEP!