Everyone needs sleep, yet about 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep disorders, and one in three adults do not regularly get the recommended amount of uninterrupted sleep they need to protect their health. Making healthy sleep essential to both physical and emotional well-being.
“Arkansas Talks Health” premieres Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.
Getting healthy sleep is not always as simple as getting the right number of hours. In this episode of “Arkansas Talks Health,” host Christina Munoz and featured experts explore why sleep is essential to health, what happens when we do not get enough, common sleep disorders and how they are diagnosed and treated, and how sleep changes throughout life.
Sleep is not just about avoiding tiredness or boosting performance. It is connected to many processes in the brain and plays a role in regulating mood, managing stress and supporting the immune system. The program also examines circadian rhythm, behavioral treatments for insomnia, sleep in children and teenagers, women's sleep, aging and consumer sleep technology.
“Sleep is the fountain of youth, this is when you are going to repair your body, clean your brain, restructure memory, regulate mood and regulate your immune system…no part of the body is untouched by sleep.”
- Dr. Caris Fitzgerald, Sleep Medicine Physician at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
The episode also helps listeners better understand how to recognize common sleep problems and when they may require professional attention. Experts discuss conditions including insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness, while explaining how sleep disorders can affect daytime functioning, mood and overall quality of life.
“The bottom line is, to an extent, how we function during the day…If you are struggling before noon or after lunch to stay awake and stay focused…It’s time to get checked.”
- Dr. David Davila, Sleep Medicine Physician at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
Featured Experts
- Dr. David Davila, Sleep Medicine Physician, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
- Dr. Erin Creighton, Otolaryngologist and Fellowship-Trained Sleep Medicine Specialist, Arkansas Otolaryngology Center
- Dr. Caris Fitzgerald, Sleep Medicine Physician, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, whose clinical focus includes behavioral sleep medicine
- Elsbeth Fast, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) True Sleep Therapy
- Dr. Supriya Jambhekar, Pediatric Pulmonologist, Pediatric Sleep Medicine Specialist and Medical Director of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Sleep Disorders Center
Helpful Resources
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System - Arkansas health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of Veterans, their families, and caregivers.
- National Institutes of Health - Provides information on all health-related subjects, including sleep.
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital Sleep Disorders Center- ACH is one of only a few pediatric hospitals in the nation to receive full-service accreditation from the Association of Sleep Disorders Centers
Tune In
Watch “Arkansas Talks Health” tonight at 6 p.m., live on broadcast or on YouTube at YouTube.com/@arkansastv.
Disclaimer:
This episode provides general information and does not replace talking with a health care professional about your individual health and care.