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Sleep & Vacation

SLEEP PROBLEMS AND SUMMER VACATION CAN BE A BAD MIX

June 29, 2004 --

Summer vacation time is here, and whether your travels take you to different countries and time zones, or a nearby cottage on the beach, you don’t want your precious days to feel the brunt of sleepless nights. And jet lab isn’t the only sleep disrupter.

The Bellevue Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Lab staff, in conjunction with the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), offers tips for vacationers this summer season.

“Many people don’t realize how much their daily activities can affect their nightly sleep, especially when they’re on vacation,” says Richard L. Gelula, executive director of the NSF. “For example, we tend to eat more and consume more alcohol when we are on vacation. And then there’s those snacks, many loaded with chocolate and caffeine,” Gelula adds. In addition to the chocolate, a heavy rich meal close to bedtime, or alcohol, may mean heartburn and a night without sufficient, restful sleep.

But in addition to foods, many over the counter (OTC) medications may have side effects that can put a crimp on summer fun. Certain antihistamines often taken for allergies or cold symptoms have ingredients that can cause sleeplessness at night and sleepiness during the day. These OTC drugs include:

	Brompheniramine, the ingredient in Dimetane and Comtrex Maximum Strength Acute Head and Cold;
	Clemastine, found in Tavist.
	Deiphenhydramine, found in Benedryl and Contac Day/Night;
	Triprolidine, the active ingredient in Actifed and Sudafed Sinus Nightime;
	Pseudoephedrine, a nasal decongestant found in OTC cold remedies and diet aids may also cause insomnia.

“It is important to read the labels and familiarize yourself with certain ingredients,” says Margaret Schaffter, manager of The Bellevue Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Lab. “If you think that OTC medications are causing drowsiness, your pharmacist or doctor and assist with potential alternatives. If you’re taking other prescription drugs, ask your doctor about appropriate use and potential side effects.”

Other tips offered by the Sleep Disorders Lab staff include:

· Minimize jet lab by anticipating time zone changes in advance. If traveling east, get up and go to bed earlier a few days prior to your trip; a few hours later if traveling west.

· Live by local time. Try to remain awake until at least 10 p.m. local time.

· Enjoy the sunlight. Daylight helps regulate the biological clock by keeping you awake.

· Avoid driving too early in the morning or too late at night and schedule stops every 100 miles or two hours.

· Travel with a companion to help watch for signs of fatigue.

· Short naps (15-45 minutes) can be refreshing. Avoid naps close to bedtime.

· Avoid food and beverages containing caffeine three to four hours before bedtime.

· Keep your bedtime routine, even when on vacation or in a hotel room. Bring familiar items with you such as a pillow or alarm clock.

· Don’t sunburn. Sunburn is a major cause of sleep disruption for children and adults.

The National Sleep Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health and safety by achieving public understanding of sleep disorders. The NSF website is www.sleepfoundation.org.

The Bellevue Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Lab is located at 855 W. Main Street. For additional information, phone (419) 483-4040, Extension 4244.

Sleep & Vacation

SLEEP PROBLEMS AND SUMMER VACATION CAN BE A BAD MIX

The Bellevue Hospital, 1400 W. Main Street - P O Box 8004, Bellevue, Ohio 44811-8004 419-483-4040 Last modified: 11/11/04

The Bellevue Hospital, 1400 W. Main Street - P O Box 8004, Bellevue, Ohio 44811-8004 419-483-4040
Last modified: 11/11/04