S P E C I A L a d v e rtisi n g secti o n
Getting your zzzzzs
Lisa Johnson, M.D., is medical director of Northside Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Center in Atlanta. 52 EncoreAtlantA.com
Dangers of sleep deprivation • If your body does not get the amount of sleep it requires (seven to nine hours a night for most adults), serious complications can occur, including: • A depressed immune system that can leave you more susceptible to illness. • Compromised decision-making abilities. • Impaired memory. • Depression, irritability, daytime drowsiness and slower reaction times. • A greater tendency to be obese, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. • A worsening of sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, due to alcohol intake and weight gain.
courtesy of children’s healthcare of atlanta
If the stress of the holidays has already begun to take a toll on you, Northside Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Centers — in Atlanta, Cherokee and Forsyth — offer these general tips to help you get proper rest at night: • Keep a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and getting up at the same time each morning, even on weekends. • Avoid caffeine in the afternoon or evening. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, soda and chocolate. • Avoid nicotine and alcohol before bedtime. • Avoid oversampling the rich foods and alcohol at gatherings. • Avoid taking long naps during the day. • Create a sleep-promoting environment that is cool, quiet and dark. • Plan ahead. Pay attention to budgets and money issues for yearend planning so you don’t become overextended. Prepare ahead of time for changes in your workload. The holidays can be stressful, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t still be restful. Take the time to sleep and relax, and your holidays will be healthier and more enjoyable. To find a doctor, watch videos and learn more about how to get a better night’s sleep, visit www.northside.com.