“The Theme-‘It’s Time to be Your Best Slept Self.’ What is Microsleep? It occurs when you fall asleep for a period of several seconds. It can occur at any time of day, not just at night. During an episode, the person may appear to be awake, and even have their eyes open, but the brain does not process information. If the person is sleep deprived or have a sleep disorder, there is a higher risk for microsleep. It can lead to dangerous crashes and even running off the road. Don’t drive-if you feel drowsy, if you have wandering thoughts, drifting into other lanes or cannot remember the last few minutes. Pull over and rest or ask someone else to drive. To prevent microsleep, the recommendation is 7-9 hours a night for adults and more for teenagers. The following techniques are recommended to improve going to sleep-

1. Turn off electronics one hour prior to going to bed

2. Set a relaxing bedtime routine, such as listening to calming music, reading a book or taking a warm bath

3. Avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and evening

4. If possible, sleep in a cool, dark room.

Sleep Disorders-Anything that prevents a person from getting the deep, restorative sleep that the mind and body need in order to stay healthy. The disorder can affect energy level, mood, productivity, and cognitive function. It can lead to critical problems including conditions of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke. The Dr. can help identify sleep problems, report the following-1. Having trouble getting to sleep and/or staying asleep 2. Feeling tired or exhausted during the day, even after going to bed at a decent time and feeling like I slept through the night.

Some Common Sleep Disorders-

1. Sleep Apnea, irregular or interrupted breathing when you sleep; breathing can stop hundreds of times each night. Symptoms-feeling tired even though you slept through the night; chronic loud snoring.  This condition can affect short and long term memory.

2. Insomnia, is the inability to fall asleep and stay asleep; chronic problem if it happens at least three nights a week for at least three months. Symptoms-trouble going to sleep at your regular bedtime and trouble going back to sleep after waking up during the night. This condition can affect your concentration and cognitive function. It can lead to serious medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, anxiety and depression. It can also increase dangerous workplace incidents and car crashes.

3. Narcolepsy-suddenly fall asleep at unusual and inappropriate times. This is a neurological condition and tends to appear in children or young adults but can occur at any life age. If you think that you have a Sleep Disorder talk to your Dr. immediately.

Plan for better sleep: Physical activity promotes better sleep; take breaks 10-20 minutes before a meeting or after a meeting during the day; morning exercise is better than exercise at night, discuss a moderate physical exercise plan with your Dr. Breathing and stretching exercises are acceptable at night.”