Silver Cross: What Happens When You Don't Sleep Enough?

By Tracy Simons, Silver Cross Hospital

We’ve all experienced the feeling of utter exhaustion from having a bad night’s rest. But if you find yourself routinely tired, unable to concentrate at work and having mood swings, then you could be suffering from sleep deprivation.  

According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), if you get six hours or less of sleep a night, then you aren’t getting an appropriate night’s rest in order for your body to recharge. Studies have shown that sleep actually improves learning, memory, and insight. 

In honor of National Sleep Awareness Week, Silver Cross Hospital is offering a free lecture on how a lack of sleep can affect your overall health.

A sponsored article by Silver Cross Hospital.

Free Program

Dr. Philip Leung, Medical Director of the Silver Cross Sleep Disorders Center, will present a free program on Sleep vs. No Sleep, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 at Silver Cross Hospital, Pavilion A, Conference Center, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox.

Leung will discuss sleep exhaustion, snoring and their relationship to various illnesses and diseases. Learn how to distinguish if your lack of sleep and snoring is a serious health problem and about the new treatment options available. To register to attend, call 1-888-660-HEAL or go to www.silvercross.org/sleepdisorderscenter.

The Effects of Sleepiness on Health

A lack of sleep can alter your mood significantly. It causes irritability and anger and may reduce your ability to cope with stress. According to the NSF, the “walking tired” are more likely to fight with other people. Chronic sleepiness also puts you at greater risk for depression. 

Sleep-deprived people polled by the NSF were also less likely than those who sleep well to eat healthy, exercise, have sex, and engage in leisure activities because of sleepiness. These poor health habits can also lead to heart disease; making a good night’s sleep even more important.

Because individual sleep needs vary, experts say the best way to determine whether you’re getting enough sleep is by how you feel. 

“You shouldn’t feel tired when you wake up,” Leung said. “Throughout the day, you should be energetic and slow down as you approach your bedtime.”

About the Silver Cross Sleep Disorders Center

The state-of-the-art Sleep Disorders Center is located on the new Hospital Campus at 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., Suite 525, Pavilion A in New Lenox. The mission at the Silver Cross Sleep Disorders Center is to help patients get a good night’s sleep. Under the medical direction of board certified pulmonologist and sleep specialist Philip Leung, M.D., the Center specializes in testing, diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.

The Silver Cross Sleep Disorders Center offers treatment and diagnosis of the following sleep disorders: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Sleep Related Breathing Disorders, Insomnia, Sleep Related Movement Disorders, and Narcolepsy. 

“We are committed to helping our patients receive the correct treatment that will enable them to rest properly, so they can have a better quality of life,” Leung said. 

If you think you or your loved one may suffer from a sleep disorder, take this FREE Sleep Disorders Assessment.

Home-like Atmosphere

Silver Cross has combined the latest diagnostic technology with a home-like atmosphere. Each private room features a private bathroom, calming decor, and a comfortable bed to put our patients at ease.

At the Silver Cross Sleep Disorders Center, expert technicians perform polysomnographic testing, and sleep studies that provide a detailed picture of a patient’s entire sleep cycle. 

The studies allow technicians to analyze a patient’s exact sleep pattern, from the onset of sleep through the four normal levels of sleep, to breathing, oxygen levels, heartbeat, movement and snoring activity. Data from the study is invaluable in diagnosing and treating any sleep disorder someone may have. The morning following the sleep study, our experts then analyze the patient’s results. Some patients may begin treatment as soon as the same day.

If you or someone you love is experiencing a sleep problem, we invite you to contact our center for an initial consultation. For more information, call 1-815-300-REST (7378) or go to www.silvercross.org.

About Silver Cross Hospital

Silver Cross Hospital is a not-for-profit health care provider serving Will County and southwest suburban communities since 1895. Silver Cross has been recognized as a Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals National Award winner for seven consecutive years and as a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers.

With more than 3,500 employees, physicians and volunteers, Silver Cross operates a new 289-bed acute care hospital at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox and 8 satellite facilities providing outpatient services and physician offices. To learn more about Silver Cross Hospital or a referral to a physician on staff, go to www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).  

Physicians on Silver Cross Hospital’s Medical Staff have expertise in their areas of practice to meet the needs of patients seeking their care.  These physicians are independent practitioners on the Medical Staff and are not the agents or employees of Silver Cross Hospital. They treat patients based upon their independent medical judgment and they bill patients separately for their services.