More than Tired? It May Be Narcolepsy
Do you ever fall asleep at inappropriate times, like while watching a movie at Cinema Cafe or while shopping at Peninsula Town Center? If this happens regularly and there’s no obvious explanation – like not getting enough sleep – you may be experiencing narcolepsy. What Is Narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes excessive…
Tips to Fight Coronasomnia
Have you been experiencing poor sleep since the start of the pandemic? If so, you’re far from alone. Medical experts have reported increasing rates of symptoms of insomnia over the past year. Some have dubbed the cases of poor sleep as “coronasomnia.” Causes of Coronasomnia Below are some of the root causes of coronasomnia. Stress…
When to Consider Sleep Apnea Surgery
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Nighttime symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air and difficulty staying asleep, while daytime symptoms include dry mouth, headache, excessive sleepiness, trouble concentrating and irritability. It’s important to seek treatment for sleep apnea right away, and for some this means…
How Nighttime Noise Can Affect Your Health
It can be frustrating when you’re woken up by your neighbors’ barking dog or an ambulance rushing to Sentara Hampton Roads CarePlex. But did you know that even sounds that don’t wake you up can impact your sleep, and therefore your health? Noise & the Sleep Cycle When you fall asleep at night, you cycle…
Treating Insomnia May Help Those with Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness characterized by varying self-image, extreme mood swings and impulsive/risky behaviors. Many people with BPD suffer from depression, anxiety, fear of abandonment and self-harm impulses. Fortunately, new research suggests that treating insomnia may improve symptoms of people with BPD. About the Studies Insomnia and other sleep problems are…
New Study with Mini Pigs Provides Insight about Sleep Apnea in Humans
If you’ve seen pigs or mini pigs at Bluebird Gap Farm, you know how cute they are. But did you know that mini pigs specifically can snore and experience sleep apnea in a way that is very similar to humans? Researchers at the University of Washington (UW) have begun studying the sleep of mini pigs…
The Link Between Sleep and Stress
Sleep and stress are closely linked. Think about it: Do you have a difficult time falling asleep when you’re experiencing stress at work or with your family? When you don’t get enough sleep at night, do you feel especially stressed the next day? Most would answer yes. The unfortunate truth is, poor sleep and high…
What You Should Know about Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a rare neurological condition characterized by fragmented sleep, daytime drowsiness, abnormal rapid eye movements (REM) and episodes of muscle weakness. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and affect many aspects of everyday life. Below is an overview of what you should know about narcolepsy. Who Is Affected by Narcolepsy? About 1 in…
Sleep Is Crucial for Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injuries
Your body needs sufficient sleep for a variety of reasons, including to boost your mood, concentration, productivity, immune function and cardiovascular health. However, there may be no time more important to get enough sleep than after suffering from a traumatic brain injury, like a concussion after a crash on Highway 60 or from a sports…
Can Sleep Improve Your Immune Function?
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for mood, concentration and overall function. Did you know that getting sufficient sleep can also boost your immune system? This is more important now than ever as we navigate the age of COVID-19. What the Research Shows A study conducted by researchers at the University of Tübingen in…