Why quality sleep is so important for your day and your body

Not getting enough ZZZ’s?

(ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX – May 7, 2016) Sleep deprivation is a growing concern throughout the country and even right here in our bedroom community of Rockwall.  You might be surprised that a lack of sleep is pervasive in our safe and comfortable Rockwall homes. You may be more surprised to learn that there are simple solutions, too.

The fact is, if you suffer from sleep deprivation you may not even be fully aware of how it can affect your day. Not only does a lack of sleep cause you to simply feel tired, it also affects:

  • Work performance – You may have difficulty concentrating or completing timely projects.
  • Family dynamics – You may find yourself, or your spouse, moody, short tempered, impatient and argumentative.
  • Safety – While it is difficult to get concrete numbers it is believed that as many as 6000 fatal car accidents occur yearly due to sleeplessness.
  • Overall health – Many medical conditions show a connection to sleep disorders.  Those include heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and other chronic conditions as well as an increased likelihood of catching colds and gaining weight.

Local resident Claudette H. recently had a sleep study after years of struggling with tiredness and poor sleep.  She says the experience was different from what she expected.  There was no pain or discomfort at any time remarking that the bed was “as big and comfortable as those found in expensive hotels.”

It is estimated that 50-70 million adults have a sleep-related disorder and many aren’t even aware that their sleep is compromised (cdc.gov/features/dssleep/). This has a significant impact on quality of life, yet most people aren’t readily aware that there are solutions available.  Instead they continue to suffer, attempting to minimize symptoms with caffeine or other stimulants to get them through their daily responsibilities.

There are many causes for sleep deprivation, including medical reasons, and very often the source is different from what you believe it to be.  A sleep study is the best tool to determine the actual problem as well as the solution.

As a result of her own sleep study Claudette reports, “I can’t tell you how wonderful and helpful having this test was. I received results in a timely manner which confirmed that I did indeed have sleep apnea.  The necessary equipment was supplied and thorough training was provided.  I am now sleeping longer and going into that deep sleep the technician told me about. I feel more rested than I have in years.”

Such positive results have a snowball effect.  As a result, Claudette’s husband has scheduled his own sleep study.  He wants the same success as his wife so that he can have improved days!

Submitted by Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall. Their Good Health guest columns cover a variety of topics at BlueRibbonNews.com. The Sleep Lab at Texas Health Rockwall provides complete evaluation and treatment, including home study kits. For more information including a short assessment of your sleep, visit texashealthrockwall.com/our-services/sleep-lab/.

Not all sleep problems are associated with medical conditions therefore, a sleep study may rule out clinical causes.  In that case, other tools may be addressed in consultation with your primary care physician to help you get the best sleep possible. 

Your #1 source for positive hometown stories, entertainment and events.

Our print edition is delivered free to 18,000+ homes in Rockwall and Heath, TX.

To share your good news and events, email .

For advertising inquiries both online and in print, call 214-342-8000 or email .

Download the FREE Official Rockwall Area App for Apple iPhone or Android.