Restful Sleep. It’s Not Just Important, It’s Necessary.

Are you a member of the army of the walking tired?  If so, you may be experiencing the consequences of sleep deprivation, consequences that can include health, behavior and performance problems. 

If you are a member of this group, you are not alone.  A recent poll by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) found that one out of four adults in America doesn’t get even the minimum amount of sleep they need to feel fully alert the next day. 

As the nation prepares for the return of Daylight Saving Time, on Sunday, March 11^th, NSF and The Sleep Clinic urge residents of Shreveport/Bossier to sleep in on that Sunday morning, instead of losing an hour of sleep.  “Sleep Well Tonight for a Better Tomorrow!” says Dr. Nabil Moufarrej, Medical Director of The Sleep Clinic.  “That’s the theme of National Sleep Awareness Week, and its good advice, not only for when the clocks change, but for every night of the year.” 

National Sleep Awareness Week, is sponsored by NSF, and takes place during the days leading up to Daylight Saving Time (March 5^th-11^th).  It is a perfect time for residents of Shreveport/Bossier to evaluate the amount of sleep they usually get and make a commitment to get seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep every night during that week.  Then make a new schedule a nightly habit! 

“It’s important to remember that sleep is a necessity and not a luxury,” says Dr. Moufarrej.  “You are how you sleep.  Nighttime sleep affects your daily life…your mood, your behavior and your performance.  So don’t cheat on your sleep.” 

NSF and The Sleep Clinic offer the following tips to help adjust to the return of Daylight Saving Time:

• Try to sleep a bit more than usual a few nights prior to and immediately following the time change to help reduce any sleep debt you may be carrying.
• Take a nap in the afternoon on Sunday if you need it, but not within a few hours of your regular bedtime.  Remember, napping too close to bedtime can disrupt nighttime sleep.   

National Sleep Awareness Week is also a good time to learn more about sleep problems, particularly how to recognize them in yourself and in family members.  Frequent problems sleeping or daytime sleepiness can signal a sleep disorder that usually can be treated.