Jamaica Hospital Medical Center -- Department of Public Affairs -- 8900 Van Wyck Expressway Jamaica, New York 11418
For Immediate Release
Name: Michael Hinck
Telephone: 718-206-8973
Email: mhinck@jhmc.org
Why Nighttime Sleep Does Matter
Dec 01,2010
Contact Information:
<br>Natifia Gaines
<br>(718) 206-6020
<br>
<br>December 1, 2010 (Jamaica, NY)-- Getting a good night’s sleep is part of the doctor’s orders, yet many Americans experience insufficient sleep at night. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “approximately 29% of U.S. adults report sleeping less than seven hours per night and 50-70 million Americans have chronic sleep and wakefulness disorders.”
<br>
<br>In New York City alone, it is estimated that 2 million people have an undiagnosed sleep disorder.
<br>
<br>“Sleep disorders are generally under-evaluated and poorly treated,” explained Dr. Mayank Shukla, Director of the Sleep Medicine at Jamaica Hospital. “It’s important for individuals to know the various signs and symptoms of a sleep disorder and not disregard them.”
<br>
<br>Individuals with sleep disorders usually:
<br>
<br><ul>
<br><li>Snore loudly</li>
<br><li>Are observed by others gasping for breath while sleeping</li>
<br><li>Feel sleepy during the day and easily doze off while engaged in daily activities</li>
<br><li>Have trouble falling asleep, wake easily and frequently throughout the night, or wake up tired</li>
<br><li>Have tingling sensations in their legs</li>
<br></ul>
<br>The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep each night for adults, between eight and a half to 13 hours for children, and 12 to 18 hours for babies. Not meeting these guidelines can have consequences.
<br>
<br>“Leaving a sleep disorder untreated can lead to other conditions, such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and premature death. Therefore, untreated sleep apnea can reduce life span by 5-10 lifespan,” said Dr. Shukla.
<br>
<br>Sleep disorders can be successfully treated and managed, if properly diagnosed.
<br>
<br>Jamaica Hospital’s newly opened Sleep Clinic treats adults and children suffering from a wide variety of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, snoring, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, excessive fatigue, and much more.
<br>
<br>The Sleep Clinic, located in Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, is open every other Thursday, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. To schedule an appointment, please contact Dr. Mayank Shukla at 718-240-6852.
<br>
<br><b>Jamaica Hospital Medical Center</b> serves a population greater than 1.2 million in Queens and eastern Brooklyn. This 431-bed medical center is an accredited community teaching hospital with a large network of community-based ambulatory care centers. JHMC offers an array of acute inpatient, rehabilitation and mental health services, and is one of the busiest Level 1 trauma centers in New York City. The hospital provides general medical, pediatric, and dental services, in addition to home health services. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s mission is to serve patients and the community in a way that is second to none. For additional information, please contact Public Affairs at 718-206-6020.
<br>
<br>###
<br>