Sleep Survey Shows That Newtown Hears Snoring

By Eliza Hallabeck

Do you snore? Are you sleepy when driving? Do you fall asleep unintentionally? All these questions and more were asked in The Bee’s recent online survey, “How Well Does Newtown Sleep?”

Nearly 80 people responded to the survey between Wednesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 21, answering questions about their own sleep patterns.

Once results were in, Marya Chaisson, who is board certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary medicine and internal medicine, combed through the results to assess how Newtown sleeps overall. Dr Chaisson is the medical director of the Griffin Hospital Sleep Wellness Center, Derby, and has been practicing at Griffin Hospital for the past six years

After being approached by The Bee to assess and help form the sleep survey, Dr Chaisson supplied the questions for the survey.

Dr Chaisson said a significant percent of the Newtown population snores, 43 percent.

“The number of people who snore is underestimated,” said Dr Chaisson on review of the survey responses, “because one’s history of snoring is taken from the bed partner, who can be subjective. Many more people snore and are unaware of it.”

A number of responders said their spouses say they do, but do not believe it.

“I don’t think so,” said one, “but my husband says I do when I am really really exhausted!”

Roughly 17 percent of responders said they wake up with a headache, and Dr Chaisson said headaches can be a sign of chronic sinus disease or an underlying sleep disorder, adding bruxism, teeth grinding, can also cause frequent morning headaches.

To the question, “Are you sleepy when driving?” roughly 22 percent said Yes.

“Only at night, and only after I’ve had less sleep than normal,” one responder said. “I always know ahead of time if I’ve had enough or not.”

Another responder said, “Not usually, but late night meetings can exhaust me to the point of sleepiness when driving. Open windows and music usually does the trick.”

To the 22 percent who can be sleepy when driving, Dr Chaisson said, “This can reflect poor sleep quality, sleep deprivation, or an underlying sleep disorder. Falling asleep at the wheel is one of the top causes of motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Fatigue when driving is dangerous and should always be avoided.”

Roughly 17 percent of responders said they fall asleep unintentionally.

“Falling asleep unintentionally signifies severe sleep deprivation,” said Dr Chaisson. “This can occur while performing activities such as driving and working with heavy machinery and can be dangerous. This should be addressed with your physician.”

Movement Disorders      And Dreams

According to Dr Chaisson, movement disorders, like kicking legs during sleep, can also occur.

“This includes restless leg syndrome (RLS), which can be very disruptive to sleep and uncomfortable,” said Dr Chaisson.

Almost 25 percent of responders said they do kick their legs while sleeping.

“RLS can be the result of an untreated underlying sleep disorder or a sign of other underlying medical issues along with a side effect of certain medications,” Dr Chaisson said. “Symptoms of lower extremity discomfort should always be discussed with your physician.”

To the question, “Do you experience vivid, dreamlike scenes even though you think you are awake?” more than 26 percent of responders said Yes.

“Vivid dreams can occur in the setting of sleep deprivation, anxiety, and as a side effect of medications. It can also be a sign of a more serious sleep problem such a narcolepsy,” said Dr Chaisson.

Only 10.5 percent of responders said they have a history of blood pressure and/or heart disease. Dr Chaisson said obstructive sleep apnea is the most commonly identified sleep disorder, and it is associated with cardiovascular risks, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart rhythms, stroke, and elevated blood sugar.

“If people have any of these underlying conditions they should be screened for obstructive sleep apnea,” said Dr Chaisson.

For the almost 37 percent of people who say they grind their teeth in their sleep, Dr Chaisson said it can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and poor dentition.

“In certain instances it can be related to an uncontrolled sleep disorder,” said Dr Chaisson. “Night guards made by dentists can help reverse the effects of grinding.”

Only five percent of responders said they feel a shortness of breath during sleep, and Dr Chaisson said this can be a symptom of a underlying sleep disorder, such as central or obstructive sleep apnea. “It can also be related to fluid buildup as seen in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF),” she said. “The symptoms should always be discussed with your physician.”

Stress

An overwhelming 81.8 percent of responders said they feel daily stress affects their sleep patterns.

“I’m a teacher,” one responder said, “and it’s amazing how much better I’m sleeping during the summer. I don’t think I had a full night’s sleep in six or seven months before school got out.”

Another said, “I am a poor sleeper when under stress, sleep for approximately two hours, then up for two or more before falling asleep again. Can be very fitful and not refreshing at all.”

Dr Chaisson said stress can lead to sleep deprivation and chronic insomnia.

“If you feel your stress level is affecting your sleep pattern, consult your physician,” she said.

To the roughly 38 percent of people who sleep less than six hours in a 24-hour period, Dr Chaisson said with aging people experience an increased number of awakenings at night.

“However, some people awaken as a result of apneas [cessation of breath] without even knowing it. Others wake up to urinate frequently,” she said. “These can be signs of significant underlying medical problems and should be discussed with your physician.”

Overall sleep disorders are very common and underdiagnosed in the community, according to Dr Chaisson.

“Symptoms include poor sleep quality and not feeling refreshed upon waking,” Dr Chaisson said. “Insomnia is also very common and there are resources available to help improve the symptoms of insomnia. All sleep-related issues of concern should always be discussed with your physician as they can represent uncontrolled underlying medical problems.”

Dr Chaisson said patients at Griffin Hospital are consulted in depth for a detailed analysis of their sleeping patterns.

For more information, contact the Sleep Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital at 203-732-7571.