Sidge Chapman's Comments

Smartphones, iPads, and other personal electronic devices are great ways to communicate and entertain ourselves, but they may also be negatively impacting the quality and quantity of our sleep.As personal electronic devices have become more ubiquitous, the bright-light emitting screens that allow the use of mobile devices in dimly lit rooms have become a more common reason for sleep disruption, whether users realize it or not.Why is that? Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland at…See More

There have been many studies in recent years showing the effects that poor sleep has on our health and well being, including increased stress levels, and a negative immune system response.In a new study from the University of Birmingham, UK, researchers wanted to determine the effects of partial sleep deprivation on blood vessel (vascular) function and breathing control.A full night’s sleep vs. reduced sleepThe research team, led by Keith Pugh, Shahrad Taheri, and George Balanos, studied eight…See More

It is common knowledge that untreated sleep apnea can have dire health effects, but a new study shows that it also increases a person’s risk of getting in a car accident. Researchers at the University Hospital in Leeds, UK found that people with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to fail a driving simulator test, and report nodding asleep while driving. The study was organized by the European Respiratory Society and the European Sleep Research Society, and was presented April 12, 2013 at…See More

Recently, I was interviewed for a segment on CBS Channel 2 News in New York. The topic was, “What constitutes the best night’s sleep?” How many hours of sleep are needed, and is it better to sleep alone or with a partner?The answer to both questions is relative to the person asking it, depending on their age and overall health. This is known as a person’s basal sleep need: the amount of sleep an individual needs on a regular basis for optimal performance.As the founder of Eos Sleep in…See More

By Dr. David O. VolpiIt is common knowledge that untreated sleep apnea can have dire health effects, but researchers in England found out that loss of sleep also increases a person’s risk of nodding asleep at the wheel, and getting in a car accident. That endangers not only the person suffering from the sleep disorder, but any person driving around them at any given time.The study, which was organized…See More

In early October, the Canadian Stroke Congress updated their stroke care guidelines to state that proper diagnosis and screening of sleep apnea is critical to stroke prevention.The Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Care was first released in 2006. This is the fourth update to the guidelines, and the first time the best practice guidelines have included a section on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).OSA is a breathing disorder that causes a person’s breathing during sleep to be…See More

There have been multiple studies published in the last few years regarding the effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other sleep disorders on children and teens.In early 2013, Penn State researchers published the results of a study showing that children who have learning, attention and/or behavior problems may in fact be suffering from a condition known as excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) — even if…See More