Hala M. Aboulkhair, MD Associate Consultant, Sleep Medicine / Internal Medicine International Medical Center, Jeddah "Are you getting enough quality sleep? Are you sleeping longer than you should? Poor sleep habits may put you at higher risk for early signs of heart disease when compared to those who get adequate, good quality sleep" Adequate amount of quality sleep is very essential to maintain good health, replenish energy, and restore the mind. It plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy balance of hormones, strengthening the immune system, sustaining proper brain function, and supporting healthy growth and development. Sleep-related disorders are one of the most commonly encountered problems today and can immensely affect your physical and mental health, cognitive capacity, productivity, quality of life, and safety. People spend third of their lives sleeping, However those with sleep disorders are often sleepy during the day and have reduced ability to concentrate, remember, or think, and are at a higher risk of falling asleep while driving or working. Studies have shown that proper treatment of sleep apnea greatly reduces your risk of developing heart-related conditions and, in addition, improves pre-existing cardiac disorders During this complex process in which many physiological processes occur, it was found that 60% of people diagnosed with sleeping disorder for a variety of reasons which are often not realize. Most of sleep disorders patients can be diagnosed and treated in sleep disorders laboratories. These sleep disorder laboratories which offer a hotel-like room equipped with monitoring and diagnostic devices. The only true way to diagnose sleep disorder is through a careful history and, when indicated, a sleep study called a polysomnogram. During the study, pain-free sensors are placed on patients' scalp, face, chest, limbs and finger. While the patient sleeps, the sensors record brain activity, eye movements, heart rate and rhythm, leg movements, air flow, and the concentration of oxygen in the blood. Elastic belts placed around the chest and stomach measure inhalation and exhalation. The recordings are analyzed by a qualified sleep specialist to determine whether a patient has sleep apnea or another sleep disorder. Sleep disorders are very common and are often ignored by patients. You should talk to your doctor about your risk of having a sleep disorder and get regular medical check-ups. A timely diagnosis and early medical treatment can help you recover from your sleep disorder and reduce the risk of other serious health issues. It is important to remember that good quality sleep is more of a necessity than a luxury for better cardiovascular and overall health.
