The CGH Sleep Center is participating in the National campaign launched by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), “Sleep is Good Medicine,” by reminding you about the importance of sleep. The campaign is designed to increase public awareness about sleep and its connection to our health.
In 2021, the AASM issued a position statement that sleep is essential to health: “Healthy sleep is important for cognitive functioning, mood, mental health, and cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and metabolic health….” Significant resources have been invested to address health-related lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, and smoking. However, programs focusing on sleep health have been rare. The “Sleep is Good Medicine” campaign calls for greater emphasis on sleep health in education, clinical practice, inpatient and long-term care, public health promotion, and the workplace.
The AASM recommends that the average adult should sleep seven or more hours per night–on a regular basis–to promote optimal health. The National Sleep Foundation suggests 9-to-11 hours of sleep for school-age children, and 11-14 hours or more sleep for toddlers and infants.
Healthy sleep allows the body to boost immunity; reduce stress; manage weight; reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This requires adequate sleep duration, appropriate timing, regularity, and the absence of sleep disorders.
Most sleep problems are not as severe as chronic insomnia or sleep apnea. Lifestyle changes–like spending more time outdoors or avoiding caffeine late in the day–can make a big, positive difference. However, there are a wide variety of sleep disorders.
If you have more challenging sleep problems, talk to your doctor. Or work with the Sleep Team at an AASM-accredited sleep center to find a solution that works for you.
The Sleep Center at CGH Medical Center, 101 E. Miller Road, Sterling, IL, is fully accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM.) Our four comfortable rooms feature queen-sized beds and private restrooms and can accommodate all patients, including individuals with disabilities.
If you think you have a sleep disorder, please contact our sleep medicine team at CGH Dixon Medical Center, 1321N. Galena Avenue, at 815-284-1600, extension 2760; CGH Main Clinic at 815-625-4790, extension 3301; visit cghmc.com/sleep.
Kim Treviranus, MD, is a Board-Certified Sleep Medicine Physician. He sees patients at the CGH Dixon Medical Center and CGH Medical Center Main Clinic, Sterling.
