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TOMS RIVER, NJ, APRIL 29, 2009 – It is estimated that ten
to fifteen percent of all births result in postpartum depression,
a serious problem for hundreds of thousands of women and families
each year in the United States. While postpartum depression can
be attributed to a number of factors, lack of sleep is a known
contributor.
Kathy Feeney, RPSGT, manager of the Center for Sleep Disorders
at Community Medical Center, said “Only 24% of women of childbearing
age reported getting a good night’s sleep a few nights a
month or less. Of pregnant and postpartum women, the percentage
jumps to 40% and 55% respectively.”
She added that not getting enough sleep may also be a factor in
losing the extra weight women retain after childbirth. A study
published in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed
that women who slept less than five hours a night during the first
six months after giving birth were more likely to gain at least
11 pounds. Women who slept for five hours or less were 2.3 times
more likely to retain at least 11 pounds of their pregnancy weight,
the study also revealed.
“What women don’t realize is that sleep deprivation
can have serious consequences,” Feeney said. “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. A good night’s sleep allows the
body to actively recharge itself and prepare for the next day.”
Feeney went on to explain that while men may take the lead in
sleep-disordered breathing, women may ultimately be the ones who
are sleeping worse. “Pregnancy, caring for children, hormonal
changes, coupled with working, combine to put women at a higher
risk for a host of sleep problems,” she said. “Fortunately,
many disorders such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome and sleep
apnea can be controlled with lifestyle changes plus medical treatment.”
At the Center for Sleep Disorders at Community Medical Center,
with locations in Toms River and Manahawkin, patients can be evaluated
for chronic sleep problems, including the ability to fall asleep
and stay asleep.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, more than
70 million Americans currently suffer from sleeping disorders.
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 they need.
Feeney said men and women suffering from sleep disorders can be
at a higher risk for depression, high blood pressure, heart attacks,
cardiac arrhythmias and stroke.
“Occasional sleepness nights are not a cause for concern,” Feeney
said. “However, losing sleep night after night, waking up
feeling tired, drowsy and lethargic can become a long-term serious
condition that affects a person’s overall health and wellbeing.”
Community’s two Center for Sleep Disorders in are 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. The center in Toms River is the only sleep center
in the region accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
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.
Feeney said women struggle from a need to “do it all” and
as a result, sacrifice their sleep. “Women use many coping
strategies to sustain the pace of daily life when biological and
lifestyle factors interrupt their sleep.”
“Ask any new mom how much sleep she is getting and she will
probably laugh because sleep is so elusive when you have a newborn,” Feeney
said. “But that period of time doesn’t last long. If
a woman is still having difficulty sleeping long after her baby
is, then it is time to talk to your doctor or health care provider.
Getting a good night sleep is not only good for your health, it
will help you to be a better mom during the day.”
She suggested all women make healthy sleep a priority. “Make
time to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night,” Feeney
said. “Create a relaxing environment for sleep; exercise
regularly, but not right before bedtime; and eat a healthy diet.
Avoid caffeine a few hours before bed, and if possible, arrange
for help when caring for a newborn so you can get the much-deserved
and need rest you need.”
For an appointment or more information about the Center for Sleep
Disorders at Community Medical Center in Toms River or Manahawkin,
please call 732-557-2798 or visit www.saintbarnabas.com.
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