Sleep Hygiene
You've brushed your teeth, washed your face and made sure the lights are off. You are ready for bed.

As silly as this question may sound, are you ready for sleep?
Many sleep disorders are the result of poor "ready to sleep" habits. Here are some examples of good sleep hygiene:
  • restrict or avoid caffeine and alcohol after dinner
  • allow time to 'wind down' and relax before going to bed
  • no television while in bed
  • no tobacco before bed
  • go to bed at approximately the same time each night
  • plan ahead and are prepare for the morning so that you're not anxious about waking
  • set the alarm to rise at approximately the same time each morning

Much of this sounds like common sense, but many people do not prepare for sleep by following these simple guidelines.

If you or someone you love suffers from lack of proper sleep, contact the Lutheran Sleep Disorders Center.

260-435-7403

  

Sleep Disorders

 Diabetes

Sleep Disorders

Sleep Disorders

Diabetes

Sleep Quiz

These are some simple tests designed to alert you to any problems resulting from poor quality sleep. Simply check the box next to the question if it applies to you.

I have difficulty falling asleep

I worry about things and have trouble sleeping

I lie awake for half an hour or more before I fall asleep

I feel sad and depressed
If you marked two or more boxes, you show symptoms of insomnia, a persistent inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.

I've been told that I stop breathing while I sleep although I don't remember this when I wake up

I've noticed my heart pounding or beating irregularly during the night.

I get morning headaches

I am overweight

I feel sleepy during the day even though I slept through the night

During the night, I suddenly wake up gasping for breath
If you marked three or more boxes, you show symptoms of sleep apnea, a life-threatening disorder which causes you to stop breathing repeatedly (often hundreds of times) during your sleep.

During the night, I suddenly wake up gasping for breath

I wake up with heartburn
I have to use antacids (Rolaids, Tums, Alka-Seltzer, etc.) almost every week for stomach upset
If you marked two or more boxes, you show signs of gastroesophageal reflux, a disorder caused when acid from the stomach 'backs up' into the esophagus during the night.


When I am angry or surprised, I feel as if I'm going limp.
I have fallen asleep while driving.
I have experienced vivid nightmares or dreamlike scenes upon falling asleep or awakening.
I feel as if I am hallucinating when I fall asleep.
I have trouble at work because of sleepiness.
I feel unable to move when I am waking up or falling asleep.
If you marked three or more boxes, you show symptoms of narcolepsy, a lifelong disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks during the day.
I experience aching or "crawling" sensations in my legs
Sometimes I can't keep my legs still at night. I just have to move them.
If you marked one or both of these boxes, you show symptoms of nocturnal myoclonus (restless leg syndrome), a disorder characterized by pain or 'crawling' sensations in the legs.


If you are concerned about a sleep disorder, please contact the Lutheran Sleep Disorders Center.

*This is intended as information only. By taking this quiz you acknowledge that the Lutheran Health Network, it's member hospitals, administration, physicians and staff are not providing medical care, treatment or offering clinical medical advice. If you have questions, talk to your physician or contact the Lutheran Hospital Sleep Disorder Center.

Lutheran Health Network Member