Written By: Jesse Moor, and Katie Marson, WWH Respiratory Therapists

How many times have you heard someone say, “Sleep isn’t that important,” or “I’ll catch up on sleep over the weekend”? While this belief is common, research shows that sleep is essential for the health and well-being of children, adolescents, and adults. According to the CDC and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), 34.1% of children, 74.6% of high school students, and 32.5% of adults regularly fail to get enough sleep₁. Inadequate sleep can stem from various factors, including sleep disorders.

High-quality sleep reduces stress, improves mood, and lowers the risk of chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke₂. But how do you know if you are getting a good night’s sleep? Typically, quality sleep includes falling asleep quickly after going to bed, sleeping at least seven hours per night for an adult (more for children and teenagers), and waking up feeling well-rested. To improve sleep, it’s helpful to maintain a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Keeping your bedroom quiet and relaxing, turning off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and large meals before sleep can also make a difference. Additionally, regular exercise, meditation, and a healthy diet contribute to better sleep quality.

Symptoms of poor sleep include excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue, which can reduce energy levels and interfere with daily activities. Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression may also occur, as sleep deprivation makes it harder to regulate emotions. Impaired mental function, difficulty focusing, and decreased alertness can make it challenging to multitask. Weight gain is another potential effect, as sleep deprivation alters metabolism and appetite. Frequent morning headaches are a common symptom as well. Experiencing any combination of these symptoms can take a toll on everyday tasks, and both short-term and long-term sleep deprivation can negatively impact overall health. Fortunately, treating poor sleep can have significant physical and psychological benefits.

There are many reasons for poor sleep, but some of the most common sleep disorders include insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), sleep apnea (a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep), narcolepsy (a neurological disorder that disrupts the sleep-wake cycle), and restless legs syndrome (a neurological condition causing an uncontrollable urge to move the legs). If you are experiencing symptoms of poor sleep, discussing them with your healthcare provider is a good first step toward improvement. Your provider may ask you to keep a sleep journal or recommend a sleep monitoring test, such as a home sleep study or an in-house sleep study. A home sleep study is a simple test that monitors for sleep apnea and is conducted while you sleep in your own bed. An in-house sleep study, performed in a hospital or lab setting, evaluates multiple sleep disturbances.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a major concern due to its significant impact on cardiovascular health, mental well-being, quality of life, and driving safety₃. Common symptoms include loud snoring, waking up gasping for air, observed pauses in breathing during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. OSA is caused by an obstruction in the upper airway, which can be due to anatomical or neurological factors. Alcohol consumption and certain medications can also contribute to OSA. Diagnosis is determined through either a home sleep study or an in-house sleep study. The severity of OSA is measured using the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), categorized as follows: normal (AHI ≤ 5), mild (AHI 6–15), moderate (AHI 16–30), and severe (AHI > 30). Treatment options for OSA vary by individual and may include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, or surgical treatments.

At Western Wisconsin Health, we offer both home and in-house sleep studies for individuals aged 14 and older. If you are experiencing symptoms related to sleep disturbances, speak with your primary care provider. They will guide you through the process of evaluation and testing, and treatment options will be discussed based on the findings.

Our goal is to improve the lives of our patients, starting with better sleep. Quality sleep can enhance mood, boost energy levels, sharpen mental focus, and aid in weight management, ultimately helping individuals perform daily tasks more effectively.

“Sleep is an investment in the energy you need to be effective tomorrow.” – Tom Roth

1. Ramar, K. (n.d.). Statistics on sleep duration. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB).
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Sleep and chronic disease. gov.
3. Slowik, J. M. (n.d.). Implications of obstructive sleep apnea on cardiovascular health, mental illness, and quality of life.