Getting the Sleep You Need
Although stress, shift work, and age-related sleep disturbances are just some of many factors that can interfere with an individual's ability to obtain sufficient sleep, there are ways to mitigate their effects and get the sleep you need.
Overcoming Factors that Intefere with Sleep
Making behavioral changes that include establishing a consistent sleep/wake schedule, avoiding caffeine late in the day, and limiting your exposure to light at bedtime are just a few things that can help reduce the effects of sleep difficulties. go to this section
Featured content
see complete video index
A Behavioral Consultation
A consultation with a behavioral sleep specialist can identify sleep problems and offer practical solutions. Here is one woman's story.
Maintaining a Consistent Wake Time (1:13)
Dr. Stephen Amira describes the importance of waking up at the same time each day.
Caffeine and Sleep (0:43)
Dr. Lawrence Epstein describes how caffeine works to promote alertness, but can also inhibit restful sleep.
You and Your Biological Clock
Irregular schedules and jet lag wreak havoc with the highly synchronized systems that regulate sleep and wake under normal conditions. go to this section
Featured content
see complete video index
Finding Your Sleep/Wake Rhythm
Take a tour of the systems that define sleep and wakefulness, and explore factors that disrupt their normal interaction.
When to Seek Treatment
Identifying the underlying cause of a sleep disturbance is for many the first step in getting the sleep they need. In some cases a visit to a physician will help. go to this section
Featured content
- What to Expect from a Sleep Evaluation
- Considering Medication vs. Behavioral Approaches
- Sleep Disorders Screening Survey
- An Overview of Sleep Disorders
see complete video index
What to Expect from a Sleep Evaluation (1:39)
Dr. Lawrence Epstein discusses what to expect from a sleep evaluation and sleep study.
Considering Medication vs. Behavioral Approaches (1:31)
Dr. Stephen Amira discusses how an individual might decide whether to choose sleep medication, a behavioral approach, or a combination of the two.
Sleep Disorders Screening Survey
A simple survey to test whether you might be suffering from a sleep disorder.
An Overview of Sleep Disorders
If you routinely experience excessive daytime sleepiness, you may have a sleep disorder.