LRMC introduces revamped sleep study program
Lazaro Bravo
Lehigh Regional Medical Center has renovated its Sleep Lab providing patients experiencing sleep disorders the opportunity to experience the most comfortable, luxury, sleep lab environment in the area. That’s according to Dr. Lazaro Bravo, who heads the pulmonary, sleep medicine and critical care unit at the local hospital.
Bravo’s offices are located in the building adjacent to LRMC and this is where he and his staff meet with prospective patients and offer consultations in possible sleep problems.
There are a few rooms in the hospital dedicated only to patients who undergo a sleep study at LRMC and Bravo notes that they are very comfortable rooms, “more like nice hotel rooms” where a patient can relax for a sleep study.
“Sleep is something everyone needs, but many people find it difficult to get,” he said.
Bravo noted that the National Sleep Foundation reported some 40 million Americans experience chronic, long-term sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome or narcolepsy and an additional 20 million experience occasional sleeping problems.
“People are tired when they wake up, they don’t sometimes realize it is because they did not have a good night’s sleep. That is where we step in and try to find the reasons to correct the situation. Only through a thorough sleep study can the situation be changed,” Bravo said.
And among the many problems people experience causing problems sleeping is one that almost everyone today is experiencing.
“That’s coming from those who use their computers, cell phones and other devices, and TVs in their bedroom before deciding to go to sleep.
“Research has recently shown that the use of electronic devices immediately before bed can disrupt your circadian rhythms. Cell phones and laptops emit blue light that tells your body it is time to wake up.
“It is recommended that you stop using electronic devices at least a half hour before bedtime,” he said.
Bravo noted there are two sleep lab study programs in Lehigh. The other is at the Florida Lung & Sleep Associates at 2625 Lee Blvd.
Those who suspect they may have sleep problems should talk to their family doctor and they can direct you to one of the two programs in Lehigh.
Bravo noted that sleep deprivation interferes with daily life including productivity, driving and social activities.
“There are many treatment options for sleep disorders and sometimes simply making small lifestyle changes can help you get a better night’s sleep,” he said.
He said the body has an internal clock or circadian rhythm that naturally tells us when to wake up and when to go to sleep by releasing hormones and changing your body temperature. Sometimes these natural rhythms get off track causing difficulties sleeping.
Bravo said a sleep specialist will tell you that during sleep, your body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure lower to conserve energy and the brain refreshes by removing waste and your body works to rebuild parts that have been stressed during the day.
He said lack of sleep is associated with many different disorders and not getting the proper amount of sleep does not allow your body to rejuvenate.
Those in the medical community dealing with patients with sleep problems can do some things to make improvements and improve their quality of sleep.
“Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Exercise daily and avoid alcohol or caffeine before bedtime. If you can, try not to eat a large meal two to three hours before bedtime and make sure that you have a relaxing bedtime routine and that you only use your bed for sleeping,” he said.
He said that if your lifestyle changes don’t help you to get better sleep and feel better in the morning, you may need to see a doctor and talk about what can be done, and get a referral to a sleep specialist.
“There are medicines physicians who can prescribe to help you sleep as well as therapy. Your physician might even suggest you do a sleep study, he said.
At LRMC in its revamped sleep study program, you can spend the night sleeping on a Postuerepedic or Sleep Number mattress. And like Bravo said, there is a flat screen TV and private bathroom provided.
LRMC introduces revamped sleep study program
Lazaro Bravo
Lehigh Regional Medical Center has renovated its Sleep Lab providing patients experiencing sleep disorders the opportunity to experience the most comfortable, luxury, sleep lab environment in the area. That’s according to Dr. Lazaro Bravo, who heads the pulmonary, sleep medicine and critical care unit at the local hospital.
Bravo’s offices are located in the building adjacent to LRMC and this is where he and his staff meet with prospective patients and offer consultations in possible sleep problems.
There are a few rooms in the hospital dedicated only to patients who undergo a sleep study at LRMC and Bravo notes that they are very comfortable rooms, “more like nice hotel rooms” where a patient can relax for a sleep study.
“Sleep is something everyone needs, but many people find it difficult to get,” he said.
Bravo noted that the National Sleep Foundation reported some 40 million Americans experience chronic, long-term sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome or narcolepsy and an additional 20 million experience occasional sleeping problems.
“People are tired when they wake up, they don’t sometimes realize it is because they did not have a good night’s sleep. That is where we step in and try to find the reasons to correct the situation. Only through a thorough sleep study can the situation be changed,” Bravo said.
And among the many problems people experience causing problems sleeping is one that almost everyone today is experiencing.
“That’s coming from those who use their computers, cell phones and other devices, and TVs in their bedroom before deciding to go to sleep.
“Research has recently shown that the use of electronic devices immediately before bed can disrupt your circadian rhythms. Cell phones and laptops emit blue light that tells your body it is time to wake up.
“It is recommended that you stop using electronic devices at least a half hour before bedtime,” he said.
Bravo noted there are two sleep lab study programs in Lehigh. The other is at the Florida Lung & Sleep Associates at 2625 Lee Blvd.
Those who suspect they may have sleep problems should talk to their family doctor and they can direct you to one of the two programs in Lehigh.
Bravo noted that sleep deprivation interferes with daily life including productivity, driving and social activities.
“There are many treatment options for sleep disorders and sometimes simply making small lifestyle changes can help you get a better night’s sleep,” he said.
He said the body has an internal clock or circadian rhythm that naturally tells us when to wake up and when to go to sleep by releasing hormones and changing your body temperature. Sometimes these natural rhythms get off track causing difficulties sleeping.
Bravo said a sleep specialist will tell you that during sleep, your body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure lower to conserve energy and the brain refreshes by removing waste and your body works to rebuild parts that have been stressed during the day.
He said lack of sleep is associated with many different disorders and not getting the proper amount of sleep does not allow your body to rejuvenate.
Those in the medical community dealing with patients with sleep problems can do some things to make improvements and improve their quality of sleep.
“Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Exercise daily and avoid alcohol or caffeine before bedtime. If you can, try not to eat a large meal two to three hours before bedtime and make sure that you have a relaxing bedtime routine and that you only use your bed for sleeping,” he said.
He said that if your lifestyle changes don’t help you to get better sleep and feel better in the morning, you may need to see a doctor and talk about what can be done, and get a referral to a sleep specialist.
“There are medicines physicians who can prescribe to help you sleep as well as therapy. Your physician might even suggest you do a sleep study, he said.
At LRMC in its revamped sleep study program, you can spend the night sleeping on a Postuerepedic or Sleep Number mattress. And like Bravo said, there is a flat screen TV and private bathroom provided.
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