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Getting More Sleep Can Help Combat Obesity For the millions of Americans struggling to maintain a healthy weight, getting more sleep may prove to be part of the answer. A recent study presented at the 2004 North American Association for the Study of Obesity has found a correlation between the amount of sleep a person gets each night and their chance of becoming obese. "Physicians have known for some time now that people who have problems sleeping are more likely to have heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure that is difficult to treat, as well as concentration and behavioral problems,” says Mangala Nadkarni, M.D., Medical Director of The Kazmir Center for Sleep Disorders at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. “This study provides further evidence that getting the right amount of sleep directly affects a person’s ability to maintain a healthy weight. According to the study, individuals who get less than four hours of sleep per night were 73 percent more likely to be obese than those who got the recommended seven to nine hours. Research showed that people who averaged five hours a night were 50 percent more likely to be obese and those who got six hours have a 23 percent greater risk. Though people burn less calories while sleeping, evidence exists linking sleep and the various neural pathways that regulate food intake. For individuals who are concerned about their weight, seeing a sleep specialist might prove to be as helpful as meeting with a nutritionist or beginning an exercise program. The Kazmir Center for Sleep Disorders at Saint Barnabas offers a full range of services used in the evaluation, diagnosis and management of sleep-related disorders in adults and children. The Center is equipped with the latest in monitoring equipment, providing the opportunity for daytime testing and full overnight sleep studies. Treatment is offered for various sleep-related disorders, including snoring, insomnia, Sleep Apnea or Sleep Disordered Breathing, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, and Restless Leg or Periodic Leg Movement Syndrome. “Patients who have successfully sought treatment through the Sleep Disorders Center feel rejuvenated by their new sleep patterns, which results in a better quality of life,” said Dr. Nadkarni. For more information about sleep disorders or to make an appointment with The Kazmir Center for Sleep Disorders at Saint Barnabas, please call (973) 322-9800. Date: November 24, 2004 [ top ] |
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