March is National Sleep Awareness Month—a perfect time to reflect on the quality of zzzZZs you’re getting. Getting adequate sleep is critical to your wellbeing, both physically and mentally.

The average adult needs between 7-9 hours of sleep per night to be properly rested. However, many people experience trouble sleeping or wake up feeling tired. This could be due to sleep apnea—a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Symptoms of sleep apnea may include loud snoring, awakening with a dry mouth, daytime headaches, daytime sleepiness (regardless of how long you slept), or irritability.

When properly diagnosed, sleep apnea is easily treated. Diagnosis includes a sleep study, where your sleep will be monitored at our Sleep Clinic or from the comfort of your home. After being treated for sleep apnea, many people report a significant improvement not only in their sleep quality, but in their energy levels during the day.

If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, talk to your primary care provider about a sleep study. The current wait time for a sleep study at CMH is 30 days. Questions? Call our Sleep Clinic at 218-878-7043.