LIVE with Regis and Kelly - Sleep Week
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It's Sleep Week on Live and we're covering some of the most common sleep complaints and solutions with the Director of the Mount Sinai Comprehensive Center for Sleep Medicine, Dr. Nisha Aurora.

Are you sleepy/ tired during the day?
Make sure you're sleeping enough then consider getting an evaluation by a sleep doctor to evaluate for any medical or sleep disorders.

Do you have trouble falling asleep?
Make sure you're engaging in relaxing activities for at least 2 hours before bedtime. Make sure you're not getting into bed too early. If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, get out of bed and go do something boring or relaxing in dim light and then return to bed when sleepy. Do not get on the computer, watch TV, read engaging material, or do work in bed. Keep a set bedtime and rise time. Avoid caffeine for 12 hours before bedtime. Do not exercise within 4 hours of bedtime and ideally: try exercising 4-6 hours before bedtime. If issues occur for more than 4 weeks – consider and evaluation for a possible sleep/medical disorder. Self treatment is not recommended and can make things worse (especially alcohol!)

Do you have trouble staying asleep?
See above answer- in addition, early morning awakenings can be an indication of underlying mood disorder and might be worth consulting a doctor.

Does your partner complain you're snoring?
Check the frequency (how many times per week) of the snoring and if it varies with position? Does the bed partner notice any problems with breathing or breath holding? Does the snorer have awakenings from gasping/choking? It may help to avoid alcohol and sleeping on your back, but worth considering a sleep study.

Do you like to sleep late and then can't get up in morning?
This is often common in teenagers or people who may have a circadian rhythm problem. This is not always necessary to fix if a person's lifestyle permits this sleep schedule. Consider an evaluation by a sleep specialist. Some therapies try to "reset your clock" with chronotherapy, light therapy, or medications.

Do you need to urinate frequently at night?
This can be nocturia. Consider a medical evaluation for prostate issues or diabetes. If no medical issues exist — then consider a sleep specialist as sleep apnea can be cause as well.

Do you have un-refreshing/restless sleep?
Avoid smoking, alcohol and other stimulants. Consider an assessment by a sleep specialist for intrinsic sleep disorder.

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