The poets make it sound so deceptively simple.

For example, take the ancient scribe Ovid, who proclaimed: “Sleep, rest of nature, O sleep most gentle … who soothes hearts…and makes them strong again.”

Even Shakespeare’s characters put in their two cents worth on the benefits of catching a few zzz’s, proclaiming “sleep that knits up the raveled sleeve of care…balm of hurt minds…nourisher in life’s feast.”

But to many Americans, these sentiments about sleep-- while well-intended-- are nothing more than words on a page. In fact, more than one-third of adults are unable to get a good night’s sleep, and around 10 percent of the general population suffer from insomnia. In many cases, sleep disorders can carry serious health complications.

For those afflicted, help is available locally at the Nash Sleep Disorders Center, where clinicians conduct sleep studies to piece together the puzzle of why so many reach for the snooze bar each day. In fact, if you have to use an alarm clock to wake up in the morning, you may not be getting your optimum amount of sleep. The Nash Sleep Disorders Center has two beds headquartered at Nash General Hospital, along with an additional mobile unit to conduct sleep studies for inpatients who need them. In addition, the center has another two additional beds located at the Comfort Inn in Rocky Mount, located near the Gateway Centre across from the hospital.

During a sleep study, the patient reports to his assigned area, where a sleep technician attaches electrodes that provide information which enables technicians to monitor and record the patient’s heart rate, oxygen level and muscle movements during sleep. A sleep study is a non-invasive, painless procedure. Services are covered by most insurance policies.

But who is a candidate for a sleep study? It’s not just those who snore or have difficulty falling asleep. Crystal Nicholson, director of the Nash Sleep Disorders Center, states that there are several symptoms that may warrant a sleep study, such as:

• Daytime drowsiness, or nodding off in front of the computer.
• Drowsiness while driving.
• Sleeping through the night, but not feeling rested during the day.
• Falling asleep in less than five minutes. Nicholson said those who fall asleep “as soon as their head hits the pillow” may not be getting the optimum amount of rest.
• Needing an alarm clock to awaken in the morning.
• Difficulty falling asleep.
• Snoring.
• Children may exhibit signs of hyperactivity when they are tired—indicating that they are not getting the optimum amount of sleep.

In addition, the Nash Sleep Disorders Center also performs pediatric sleep studies. Children who are not getting the optimum amount of sleep may not only have difficulty paying attention in class, but airway problems could lead to chronic sore throats or inflammation of the tonsils.

Some of the more common sleep disorders are:

Sleep apnea

This is the inability to breathe properly during sleep, which may result in high blood pressure, daytime sleepiness and even contribute to heart attacks or strokes.

Insomnia

The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Narcolepsy

This is a condition that is marked by excessive drowsiness during the day and the tendency to sleep at inappropriate times.

RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome)

Those suffering from RLS also report a “creepy crawly” sensation in their legs when sitting or lying still. Because this can affect the ability to fall asleep, the result can be extreme fatigue and drowsiness during the day.

PLMD (Periodic Limb Movement Disorder)

This occurs when the limbs move involuntarily during sleep. The result can be excessive daytime sleepiness.

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep Behavior disorder

Normally, during REM sleep, body muscles (except those used in breathing or eye movement) are paralyzed.  However, in some people this paralysis is incomplete, causing them to “act out” their dreams.

Some patients may need the use of a CPAP machine during sleep, which helps regulate their air flow during the night. The Special Medicine Department at Nash General Hospital offers informational clinics on CPAP and the many different types of machines every other month. For information on these sessions, call 443-8025.

But Nicholson takes CPAP information a step further.

Nicholson is available for one-on-one educational sessions with patients and those who use CPAP machines. Nicholson explains how to use the machine and works with the patients to determine the most beneficial CPAP setting.

Nicholson has seen dramatic improvement from patients after the treatment of a sleep disorder. Those who only were able to sleep a few hours a night are now having a restful night. Those whose daytime drowsiness interfered with their job performance are now awake and alert during the daytime. Children who had difficulty concentrating in class have seen an improvement in their attention span and their grades. Patients whose oxygen levels dropped to dangerously low levels are now getting the treatment they need through the use of CPAP machines.

A referral from a general practitioner is needed in order to have a sleep study. Those interested can ask their family doctor for a referral to the Nash Sleep Disorders Center at Nash General Hospital, at 443-8025.