Noted for his work in sleep medicine, Dr. Jim Murtagh has contributed to various media outlets informing the public about sleep disorders and their impact on automobile accidents. In March 2011, Dr. Jim Murtagh lent his insights to Scoop Independent News, a New Zealand publication, for Sleep Awareness Week. He also shared his expertise on sleep disorders with a local television show.
As the Medical Director for the Eastgate laboratory at SleepCare Diagnostics, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Jim Murtagh oversees daily clinical operations, including sleep studies. Dr. Jim Murtagh and his associates at SleepCare Diagnostics help individuals suffering from insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, parasomnia, snoring, restless leg syndrome, and periodic limb movement disorder. Additionally, the physicians at SleepCare Diagnostics examine and treat sleep disorders often associated with obesity and heart conditions. After performing sleep studies in order to observe and analyze sleep behavior, respiratory and heart activity, body movement, and stages of sleep, Dr. Jim Murtagh advises patients about their particular disorder and treatment options. Solutions can include the use of therapeutic equipment and accessories, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) unit, a bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) unit, head gear, hoses, masks, and humidification systems. Dr. Jim Murtagh and the professionals at SleepCare Diagnostics also offer a comprehensive follow-up program to ensure patients’ success in overcoming their sleep disorders.
A Doctor of Pulmonology, ICU, and Sleep Medicine, Jim Murtagh has served numerous prominent institutions and organizations, including the National Institutes of Health, the University of Michigan, and Emory University. Dr. Jim Murtagh has received over $2 million in research grants and has contributed to numerous articles and books about sleep medicine, general medicine, and bioethics.
As reported in a study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, approximately 30 to 40 percent of American adults experience insomnia each year. Insomnia, which is characterized by the lack of ability to fall or stay asleep, may improve with natural adjustments to sleep routines that do not require the use of prescription medications. Below, sleep specialist Dr James Murtagh of Cincinnati’s Sleepcare Diagnostics discusses insomnia and offers tips for improving sleep hygiene.
Q: What are common causes of insomnia?
A: Essentially, individuals with insomnia fail to get enough sleep to wake up rested and refreshed. Primary insomnia–meaning that it is not caused by another medical condition–can result from a number of factors, like consuming too much coffee or alcohol, experiencing digestive problems, or suffering from a period of stress or anxiety.
Q: What is sleep hygiene, and why is it important?
A: The term sleep hygiene simply refers to a series of recommendations for better sleeping habits. To maximize rest, people should avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol for four to six hours before sleep. Sleep environments should be as relaxing and free of distractions as possible. For some people, watching television or using electronic devices too close to bedtime may stimulate the brain and diminish sleep. In addition, to increase sleep quality, individuals should avoid napping during the day if possible and maintain regular bedtimes. By doing so, they will help their bodies fall into a rhythm of resting within a set timeframe, promoting better sleep.
Q: What if, after following sleep hygiene guidelines, people still struggle with insomnia?
A: If an individual continues to experience little or no sleep after applying sleep hygiene techniques and identifying the root cause of the insomnia, it is important to visit a qualified physician. A doctor may prescribe hypnotics, sleep medicine specifically used to relieve insomnia, or order a sleep study to better diagnose the individual’s sleep disorder.
Preventing Sleepless Nights (Insomnia) Posted by illumistream
