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GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP FOR IMPROVED HEALTH
Sleep is a magical escape from our consciousness, yet sleep disorders are more commonplace than one would think. The key to maintaining good health lies in diagnosing understanding, and overcominq these disorders to foster good sleep habits.
THE FUNCTION OF SLEEP
Sleep involves a plethora of neurobiology, The endocrine system is unleashed to drive sleep cycles that follow in tune with our day/night cycles. While we sleep. our bodies get rid of metabolic waste, repair themselves, and are rejuvenated.
Good sleep patterns ensure the body is aligned to the circadian rhythm. which regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
COMMON SLEEP DISORDERS
• Obstructive sleep apnea, which is respiratory related and results in a total cessation of breathing while sleeping
• Restless leg syndrome
• Medication Or Stress causing cortisol, which disrupts the sleep
• Insomnia
• Corona Insomnia sparked by working from home, isolation, depression. and long-term exposure to LED lights
The results of sleep deprivation caused by these disorders are fatigue. memoryy loss, and dysfunction during the daytime. These elements put you in a high risk category for ailments like diabetes, and behaviour disorders, dysregulated metabolism, and high blood pressure to heart issues.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN SLEEP AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
The sleep centre is situated in the hypothalamus. With this the brain initiates and perpetuates sleep, releasing all the neurohrnvcals to take the bt:xfy through the cycle.
When you have any disease in the body the neurochemical pathway is disrupted, which will affect the sleep cycle.
HOW DO SLEEP LABS WORK?
Sleep and EEG laboratories. like Sandton Sleep Lab, consists of multidisciplinary teams comprising neurologists. cardiologists. and technicians that attend to patients suffering a sleep disorder.
Patients are attached to equipment that measure physiological parameters, with this inforrnation. we can the type of disorder, the respiration rate, the heat rate. and the EEG function – all of which tells us how you are progressing through the night.
With this data at hand. we can offer a treatment with sleep apnea, for example we would prescribe the use of a CPAP machine, which supplies a positive air pressure into the upper airways to ensure the patient can breathe better and sleep better.
GET BETTER SLEEP WITH DIAGNOSIS AND SLEEP HYGIENE
There are certain methods that must be put into place to get the sleep cycle started. we share these practices with our patients to help them get good rest. Sleep is the golden thread that links our bodies to wellness. It’s all about balance. limiting white light from and embracing a bedroom that’s only for sleep and sex.
For more information about how to get a good night’s sleep, watch this interwew with Dr Bhikha on eTV or contact Sandton Sleep Lab at info@sandtonsleeplab.co.za