July 20, 2010
Having trouble getting those elusive zzz’s we all need? Dr. Kimberly Mebust, MultiCare’s Medical Director for Sleep Medicine, answers questions on what may be keeping you up at night, what you can do to get the most beneficial sleep and to learn if it is something more serious.
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10:57 AM
Welcome to our E-Health Connect Web Chat.
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10:57 AM
Today's topic is sleep issues.
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11:00 AM
To ask a question, simply enter your name and email address, click join, then ask your question in the message box. Please note your email address will not be used for any other purpose than to contact you if needed about the chat.
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11:01 AM
Today's chat is with Dr. Kimberly Mebust. She is a sleep medicine specialist with Neurology & Neurosurgery Associates. She attended Medical School and completed her Internship at the University of Connecticut and did her residency at Duke University Medical Center
Mary
11:01 AM
I know that you are supposed to get the same amount of sleep each night, but if you can't, is it possible to "catch up" on sleep by sleeping longer for one or several nights?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:03 AM
It is a temporary fix so you might feel a little better for a short time. It is preferred to continue with a regular schedule. It can throw off your body clock if you use that method.
Chat Host
11:03 AM
What causes snoring at night?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:04 AM
Snoring is cause by vibration of excessive tissue in the airway affecting the nose and throat.
Debbie
11:04 AM
My son is 8. He gets up around 7am each morning, so we try to put him to bed around 8 each night, so he gets 10 hours of sleep. A friend recently said they thought that was too much sleep for him and he should stay up later. How much sleep should be be getting?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:05 AM
9-11 hours of sleep is appropriate for a child that age.
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:05 AM
That's a good system you have with your child.
Chat Host
11:06 AM
Are sleeping troubles more prominent in men than in women?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:07 AM
There is different kinds of sleep problems that affect men and women. Women are more likely to have insomnia while men are more likely to have sleep apnea.
Chat Host
11:07 AM
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:09 AM
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is cessation of airflow when a person is breathing at night. Often when someone has loss of muscle tone and a collapse of tissue that can cause obstruction.
Brent
11:09 AM
My wife constantly is waking me up at night and asking me to roll over because of my snoring. I'd like to try an over the counter fix before going to the doctor. Are those nose strips I've seen on TV really helpful?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:11 AM
If you have a lot of nasal congestion, sometimes that can help open the nasal passages. So, it can help a little along with a nasal congestion medication. However, it could also be caused by another reason. Snoring and sleep apnea my be caused by other issues. I would suggest a sleep evaluation to determine any other potential issues.
Brent
11:11 AM
Are there any drugs that can help with snoring?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:12 AM
A prescription nasal inhaler to reduce the congested nasal tissue. Also antihistamines may help.
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:13 AM
The over the counter snore sprays can cause additional inflammation in the lungs when breathed in. So be cautious of those products
Chat Host
11:14 AM
What does a sleep evaluation involve?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:15 AM
A sleep evaluation involves seeing a sleep specialist to talk about their sleep complaints, habits and medical history. Then determine if there is an underlying sleep disorder that might need further evaluation and/or treatment.
Georgia Blankenship
11:15 AM
My PCP has recommended a sleep study to me. What's involved in the study?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:17 AM
A person goes into a laboratory around 7pm and a technician will place wires on a patient's head to monitor things like brain wave activity, breathing patterns, heart rate, oxygen levels and body movements. We have people go to bed around their normal time. There is a TV in the room if people like to watch TV before bed. They sleep through the night and then go home. A technician is there to help the patient if they need anything during the night.
Georgia Blankenship
11:17 AM
I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep in a strange environment. Do you give patients anything to relax them before the study?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:19 AM
You would need to talk to your doctor about that. We are not able to prescribe a medication at the sleep lab, but your doctor can provide something to help. You can also use an over the counter sleep aid to help you sleep. Sometimes we discourage the use of prescription medication because it can affect the results of the study.
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:21 AM
MultiCare also provides sleep studies for children and infants. You can learn more about these services by tuning into E-Health Connect Chat next month with Dr. Makari.
Kimmie
11:21 AM
I hear about sleep cycles - how do I know I'm sleeping through each cycle? Does this matter?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:23 AM
It does matter. If there is something that is disturbing someone's sleep and they can't progress through a cycle appropriately then that can lead to daytime fatigue, memory loss, behavioral problems and mood changes as well as other problems.
Marc
11:23 AM
My wife is pregnant and not sleeping well. She used to take a sleep medication, but doesn't during pregnacny. Any recomendations?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:25 AM
Pregnancy and sleep is very difficult. Sometimes sleeping in an upright position, perhaps in a recliner can help. Create a comfortable sleep environment that includes a cool, dark place in the home.
Jodi
11:25 AM
I work shift work, so my daily routine and bedtime is not always the same. How can I keep my sleep patterns from getting too off track?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:27 AM
When someone is working shifts, it is better to have a consistent shift time. For example, only days and/or only nights. If you are on a set pattern, stay on that sleep pattern. If you work nights, and get up at 11pm for work, keep that schedule on your days off.
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:29 AM
If you happen to work nights, it is important to avoid light exposure at the end of your shift. The light provides a cue to the brain to "activate" and prevent you from falling asleep. Light boxes at the beginning of a night shift can help make you more alert. The FDA has approved two medicines to help shift workers be more alert.
Dacia
11:30 AM
What is restless leg syndrome and how does it affect sleep?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:32 AM
RLS is an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, sometimes arms, because there is an uncomfortable feeling that occurs. It typically occurs at night or right before sleep and that sensation and prevent people from going to sleep. Some people with RLS can also experience periodic limb movements during sleep that can disturb your sleep cycle and can make you tired.
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:33 AM
RLS is hereditary and can be associated with other medical conditions, such as anemia, kidney dysfunction and nerve damage.
Allison
11:33 AM
My son sleepwalks. On nights that he sleepwalks, he is exhausted the next day. What can I do?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:34 AM
A sleep evaluation would be good for him. There may be something is triggering his sleep walking. If this is worrisome, he should be evaluated.
Greg
11:34 AM
What causes someone to grind their teeth during sleep?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:36 AM
It is not known specifically why people grind their teeth. It has been associated with stress or other movement disorders in sleep.
David
11:36 AM
Does drinking wine before bed help you sleep?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:37 AM
If it is once in a while, alcohol can help you sleep. If it is every night, it can actually prevent you from getting a good night's sleep.
Kari
11:37 AM
Do you recommend naps in the daytime? How long should a nap be?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:38 AM
Naps on occasion are ok. You shouldn't sleep for more than an hour. If you sleep more than that, it can prevent you from sleeping well at night. Ideally, a nap should be around 20-30 minutes. If you are napping every day, this may be a sign of a sleep disorder.
Sarah
11:38 AM
Is it true that by lacking on your sleep, you could experience weight gain?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:39 AM
Yes. There are hormones in the body that affect your eating pattern that can get thrown off when you don't get enough sleep.
Sarah
11:39 AM
I can fall asleep fine, but often have trouble staying asleep, why is this?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:40 AM
Something might be disturbing your sleep. I would suggest a sleep evaluation.
Marsha
11:40 AM
I travel a lot for work, and the time zone changes affect my rest. How can I minimize the impact?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:41 AM
When you get to your final destination, try to stay on their time zone. So avoid napping when you are tired. Just stay on that time zone's pattern for sleep. There are also some medications that can help you as well.
Camille Benoit
11:41 AM
Are trouble sleeping and insomnia the same thing?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:42 AM
The definition of insomnia is difficulty getting to sleep and/or difficulty staying asleep that causes daytime fatigue. Any number of problems can cause that.
Margo
11:43 AM
I'm redecorating my bedroom. Suggestions to create the best sleep environment?
Maura
11:44 AM
My boyfriend wants to put a TV in the bedroom. I heard somewhere that watching TV right before you sleep is bad for you. Is this true?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:44 AM
If you have sensitivity to light, window treatments that can block the light can create a comfortable sleeping environment.
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:45 AM
That is true. It causes over stimulation. Also the light exposure can affect sleep. Some people won't adhere to their sleep schedule if there is a TV in the room.
Camille Benoit
11:45 AM
How bad should insomnia be before I go see a doctor?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:46 AM
If it is impacting your sense of well being and ability to do tasks in the daytime, it is time to see the doctor.
Sarah
11:46 AM
Can the new drug Zolpimist really help you fall asleep and stay asleep?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:47 AM
I am not familiar with that drug. So I am not comfortable commenting on it. I would suggest you talk to your doctor.
Natalie
11:47 AM
Are there any natural remedies - like melatonin - that you recommend?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:48 AM
Melatonin can be a very good sleep promoting agent. Doses of 1-3 milligrams can be helpful.
Paul
11:49 AM
My girlfriend gives me a hard time about falling asleep at night on the couch in front of the TV/Xbox. But sleep is sleep, right?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:50 AM
That is not the best sleep environment.
Allie
11:50 AM
I feel like I get enough sleep (7-8 hours a night), but I am almost always still tired in the morning. Why could this be? (I am 32 and not pregnant)
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:50 AM
That could a be sign of a sleep disorder. Talk to your doctor.
Paula
11:51 AM
How often should one have to use the restroom at night?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:51 AM
Most people will awaken 1-2 times a night and may or may not use the restroom and fall back asleep in about 5 minutes. That is normal.
Chat Host
11:52 AM
Does caffeine cause insomnia?
Dr. Kimberly Mebust
11:54 AM
Yes. Caffeine is a stimulant and can disrupt the ability to fall asleep. People should stop drinking caffeine after 12 noon, if they have trouble falling asleep at night.
Chat Host
11:55 AM
That wraps up our chat for today. Thanks for participating.
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11:55 AM
Thanks for participating in today's chat.To learn more about sleep medicine services at MultiCare, visit http://www.multicare.org/home/sleep-medicine