Did you get enough sleep last night? Ask The Doctor

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in three American adults do not get enough sleep on a regular basis.

A lack of sleep or poor quality sleep has been linked to chronic diseases and conditions, such as Type 2 Diabetes, obesity, depression, and heart disease.

From preventing minor mistakes at work to an increased risk of injury, good sleep is important to your health. Kevin Law, MD, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, who specializes in pulmonology, critical care and sleep medicine, answers some key questions regarding sleep disorders and the first steps in determining the cause of sleep disturbance.

What are the most common types of sleep disorders? The most common sleep disorder is sleep apnea, which affects as many as 18 million Americans. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that disrupts a person’s sleep and usually is accompanied by snoring. Men and people who are obese are at greatest risk.

Restless leg syndrome is often referred to as “the most common problem you have never heard of.” It is a neurological movement disorder characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs. Because it occurs most frequently late in the day or at night, especially when lying down, restless leg syndrome is a leading cause of sleep problems.

Narcolepsy, another prevalent sleep disorder, is a chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by involuntary sleep attacks at inappropriate times, such as falling asleep at your desk or during a business meeting.

How can sleep disorders impact your health?

If untreated, sleep disorders can increase a person’s risk for heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, heartburn and depression. Lack of sleep also can lead to “drowsy driving,” which is a dangerous situation for everyone on the road. In addition, sleep disorders can impact your work productivity and personal relationships.

What should I do if I suspect that I have a sleep disorder?

Talk to your doctor. “Snoring, insomnia, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders are more common than you think. They can be a sign of a serious health condition and put you at risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and the inability to maintain a healthy weight,” says Dr. Law. An overnight sleep study may be needed to pinpoint the cause of your sleep disturbance. RWJUH Hamilton ‘s Sleep Center is an accredited Medical Center by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and offers a full range of services used in the evaluation, diagnosis and management of many sleep-related disorders in adults and children. The Center offers customized scheduling for your convenience and is located at 1 Union Street, West Lake Building, in Robbinsville.

To learn more about Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, visit rwjbh.org/Hamilton or call 609-586-7900.

Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton

For more information, call (609) 584-5900. To register for a program or for schedule changes go to rwjbh.org/ events.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

Dance It Out! 6 to 7 p.m. When in doubt, dance it out! Have fun and destress with this interactive program. No experience required, all ages welcome.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9

Create Your Own Vision Board Workshop. 6 to 8 p.m. What is your deepest desire for what you would like to be, do or have? Come create your own vision board to help bring your dreams to life. Please bring scissors, all other materials provided.

MONDAY, AUGUST 14

Ask the Dietitian. 3 to 6 p.m. Do you have a question about diet and nutrition? Join a community education dietitian for a one-onone Q&A. Registration is required. Taryn Krietzman, RDN What Are The Benefits Of Meditation? 6 to 7:30 p.m. The practice of focused concentration, known as meditation, brings yourself back to the moment over and over again. Explore the benefits of meditation in this informational session with optional demonstration.

Matt Masiello, CCH, founder of Esteem Hypnocounseling, will guide the group through this practice.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

Prediabetes 101. 4 to 5 p.m. What you need to know and do if you have been diagnosed with prediabetes.

Destroy The Clots: Interventions For Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism. 6 to7:30 p.m. Lasanta Horana, MD, FACEP, Director of Emergency Medicine, will discuss the importance of timely interventions when faced with “blood clots”

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22

Healing Journeys: Discussion with Author Jessica Wilson. 6 to 7 p.m. Join Jessica Wilson, author of “Healing Journeys” for a book talk on toxic relationships, where we’ll delve into the different types of abuse and explore what constitutes a toxic relationship. I’ll share strategies to guide you through these challenging situations and empower you on your healing journey. Feel free to ask any questions in a safe and supportive environment. Let’s unravel the complexities of toxic relationships together. Free.

Feeling Burned Out at Work? 6 to 7 p.m. Job burnout can affect your physical and mental health. Learn about signs of burnout and what you can do about it.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31

Picture This: Crafty Creations. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Bring your favorite summertime memories and a creative spark. Craft the night away with family and friends as the summer dwindles down. Fee: $5 per person.

Better Health Programs

Registration required for all programs. Must be a Better Health Member. Call (609) 584-5900 or go to rwjbh.org/events.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

Over the Counter Hearing Aids-FAQ-What You Should Know. 10 to 11 a.m. Get the facts on the latest in over-the-counter hearing aids. Learn the facts and get your questions answered by Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D. A.B.A. a clinical audiologist with over 40 years of experience in the field of hearing science.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

Technology Class. Noon to 1 p.m. Frustrated navigating online registration for Better Health Programs? Can’t figure out how to text your grandkids. Back to help us with our technology challenges are our friends from “Camp Fire NJ, Teens on Fire.” Whether you have questions about your mobile device, a laptop, or iPad, bring your device and learn how to complete simple tasks.