Sleep disorders are some of the most common problems seen among patients in medicine and psychiatry. Having an undiagnosed sleep disorder can make it difficult for your body to recover from illness.
To learn about sleep disorders and participate in a free sleep screening, visit experts from MUSC Sleep Center from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. May 11 outside Ashley River Tower (ART) cafeteria and at 11 p.m. near Starbucks in the university hospital.
Problems with sleep can be the cause or affect other health issues. For example, sleep disorders can lead to other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and low sex drive. Sleep disorders commonly seen are insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep apnea. Although sleep apnea is most prevalent, people suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness should consider an evaluation with a sleep specialist or a primary care physician to identify the underlying cause. Shift worker disorders, circadian rhythm disorders and restless legs syndrome are also commonly seen in the population.
Sleep apnea should be suspected in anyone who snores or wakes up frequently during the night or has difficulty getting going in the morning, including children. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if lack of sleep, too much sleep or unusual sleep behaviors are interfering with daily living.
You can avoid sleep problems by:
o Maintaining a healthy body weight by exercising and eating a balanced diet.
o Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
o Sleeping in a quiet, dark environment by turning off the TV, computer and cell phones.
Employee Wellness events
o Nurse Appreciation Week Celebration BBQ: Come to ART from 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. May 10 for a specially-priced BBQ buffet, smoothies, music and a nurse craft sale to celebrate Nurse Appreciation Week. For information, e-mail musc-empwell@musc.edu.
o Breakfast brain boost: Join registered dietitian Debbie Petitpain for "Shifting Your Eating Habits: Tips and Tricks for Night Nurses" to be held from 7:30 – 8 a.m. at Halo Restaurant May 11. Learn why shift work can have a negative effect on health and weight, how meal planning can improve health and specific tips for healthy snacking. Advanced registration and menu selection is required as space is limited. A variety of boxed breakfasts will be available for $4.50 and include a beverage. E-mail musc-empwell@musc.edu to sign up.
o Wellness Wednesday: Experts from the Weight Management Center will be at the Wellness Wednesday booth near Starbucks in the university hospital from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. May 11. Body mass index and body composition measurements will be available as well as information about programs and free consultation scheduling.
o MUSC Employee Fitness Series: A free step class will be held from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. May 18 at the MUSC Wellness Center. Participants will receive a free one-day pass to the wellness center. E-mail musc-empwell@musc.edu.
o "Eat This, Learn That" Lunch & Learn: Fit to be fried? Can eating fried foods be healthy? Come learn about the healthy cooking techniques and fresh ingredients used to prepare this month's "Limited Time Offer" at World Cuisine: Lemon Beef stir fry. During this educational taste-testing, a registered dietitian will present while participants taste a free sample. Reserve your spot via e-mail: nashatke@musc.edu, class is scheduled from 12 – 12:30 p.m. May 18 in Room 107 Colbert Education Center & Library.
o Worksite screening: The next screening will be May 25 in Room 125, Gazes. The screening is $15 with the State Health Plan and $42 without. Register at http://www.musc.edu/medcenter/ health1st.
Contact Susan Johnson at johnsusa@musc.edu to become involved in employee wellness at MUSC. Events, speakers, or any other ideas are welcome. |
