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TOMS RIVER, NJ, JANUARY 19, 2009 – For
millions of people suffering from chronic sleep problems, the ability
to fall asleep – and stay asleep – would be a dream
come true. Now, residents of southern Ocean County can be evaluated
at Community Medical Center’s new Center for Sleep Disorders
located at (street) for a variety of conditions that prevent them
from getting a good night’s sleep.
More than 70 million Americans currently suffer from sleeping
disorders, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Because the symptoms often occur during sleep, most of those people
are unaware of their condition, and many of those who are aware
never choose to seek the help that they need.
“Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that sleep
deprivation can have serious consequences,” explains Stephen
Newman, M.D., one of two Medical Directors in charge of Community
Medical Center’s Center for Sleep Disorders. Dr. Newman is
board certified in sleep medicine and pulmonology. His counterpart
at the Center, Co-Medical Director, Gerald Ferencz, M.D., is board
certified in sleep medicine and neurology.
Community’s Center for Sleep Disorders in Toms River is
the only sleep center in the region accredited by the American
Academy of Sleep Medicine.
“While everyone’s need for sleep is unique, in general,
most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night in order
to maintain good health and well being,” explains Dr. Newman. “A
good night’s sleep allows the body to actively recharge itself
and prepare for the next day.”
Poor quality or insufficient sleep, according to Dr. Newman, can
result in decreased productivity and poor performance at work or
in school, as well as increase the risk of mishaps and motor vehicle
accidents.
“In addition to disrupting and decreasing the quality of
our lives, sleep disorders can cause other serious health complications,” Dr.
Ferencz explains. “People suffering from sleeping problems
can be at a higher risk for depression, high blood pressure, heart
attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, and stroke.” Recent studies
have also linked a lack of sleep with increased appetite and weight
gain, he notes.
“Almost everyone has experienced the occasional sleepless
night,” says Dr. Ferencz, “but for people with a sleep
disorder, losing sleep night after night and waking up feeling
tired, drowsy and lethargic can become a long-term serious condition
that affects all aspects of their life.”
According to Dr. Newman, recognizing the signs and symptoms of
a sleeping disorder is essential in achieving that dream of a good
night’s sleep. “Some of the telltale symptoms include
trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up feeling drowsy
or lethargic several times a week,” he says. “Interruptions
to sleep caused by pain, heartburn, nightmares or environmental
factors such as noise, light or temperature are also tell-tale
signs. Feeling sleepy or dozing while watching TV, reading or during
other daytime activities can be an indicator of a sleep problem.
And if you experience restless legs, snore, gasp or stop breathing
completely for several seconds at a time repeatedly during the
night, you may have a treatable sleeping disorder.”
Community’s new Center for Sleep Disorders in Manahawkin,
like the Center in Toms River, is staffed by a team of board certified
physicians and certified sleep technicians who offer a full range
of diagnostic and testing services to evaluate, diagnose and help
manage sleep-related disorders in both adults and children.
Each of the Center’s beautifully appointed, private rooms
is equipped with the latest in monitoring and diagnostic technology
providing comprehensive daytime testing as well as overnight sleep
studies. Private patient rooms offer a home-like setting, including
a full size bed and cable television to enhance each patient’s
experience as they undergo evaluation and testing.
For an appointment or more information about the Center for Sleep
Disorders at Community Medical Center in Toms River or the new
location in Manahawkin, please call 732-557-2798.
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