Daylight Saving Time Highlights The Importance Of Sleep

Prepare to lose one hour sleep when clocks spring forward on March 10, 2019

The Center for Sleep Medicine at Orange Regional Medical Center recognizes the importance of public education and awareness when it comes to the time change and proper sleep. Clocks spring forward one hour on March 10 eliminating one hour of rest for the average person.

“Sleep disorders can be associated with high blood pressure, headaches, coronary artery disease, heart attack, chronic fatigue and even death,” says Dr. Samer El Zarif, of Orange Regional Medical Group & Associate Medical Director of the Center for Sleep Medicine. “Diagnosing sleep disorders early on can lead to a healthier life.”

Dr. El Zarif added that common sleep disorders can include sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, and shift work disorder. Symptoms of a sleep disorder may include:

• Periods observed by your bed partner during which you stop breathing
• Snoring
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Fatigue
• Loss of concentration
• Irritability
• Morning headaches
• Restless sleep
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Falling asleep at inappropriate times
• Frequent awakening
• Involuntary night time leg movements

The National Sleep Foundation offers the following tips to get a good night’s sleep: establish a regular bed and wake time; avoid nicotine and caffeine close to bedtime; set up a consistent relaxing “wind-down” bedtime routine and create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet and comfortable.

If you think you may have a sleep disorder, call 845-333-7575 to make an appointment with Dr. Samer El Zarif.

For more information about sleep services at Orange Regional Medical Center or to find out if you are at risk for a sleep disorder, visit www.ormc.org/sleepcenter.

The Center for Sleep Medicine at Orange Regional Medical Center

Sleep study services performed at Orange Regional Medical Center’s Center for Sleep Medicine, located at 75 Crystal Run Road in the Town of Wallkill, aid in the diagnosis of potential sleep disorders in adults and children ages 2 and up. A sleep study is a painless, non-invasive test that allows specially-trained technicians to monitor a patient’s breathing, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, eye movement, muscle tone and other factors. Sleep studies take place in our state-of-the-art facility and offer the latest diagnostic technology in a comfortable and modern environment.

Dr. Alan Schaffer is Medical Director of The Center for Sleep Medicine. Dr. Schaffer has over 20 years of experience in Sleep Medicine. In addition to his expertise, the Center is staffed by Board-certified physicians and sleep specialists and is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Samer El Zarif
Dr. El Zarif holds Board certifications in internal, pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. He also serves as an adjunct assistant professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Middletown, NY.

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