Page 31 - Southern Exposure - March '25

Southern Exposure, Page 31

taMpa geNeral News

Tampa General Pulmonologist

Suggests Sleeping On It

According to a recent study published online in The study used brain scans to determine participants’ brain If you’re looking to
Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy age. Results suggested that poor sleep was linked to nearly get your sleep back on
of Neurology, early middle-aged adults who have poor three years of additional brain aging as early as middle age. schedule, Dr. Peña suggests
sleep quality, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, Overall, the study highlighted the importance of tackling taking these steps:
showed more signs of poor brain health in late middle age. sleep problems earlier in life to maintain brain health. • Keep all electronics
Although the study does not prove that poor sleep Dr. Luis Peña-Hernández, a pulmonologist with the outside of the bedroom,
accelerates brain aging, it does show an association between Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Pulmonary Care & Sleep including mobile phones,
poor sleep quality and signs of brain aging. Previous Institute (PCSI), agrees that sleep is important. “Sleep tablets and laptops.
research links sleep problems to issues with thinking and quality is a huge determinant of overall well-being and • Avoid watching TV,
memory later in life, increasing the risk for dementia. quality of life,” he said. working on a laptop or
browsing on your phone
in bed before bedtime.
Electronics will interfere Dr. Luis Peña-Hernández
with the quality of your
sleep and may contribute to developing insomnia.
• Avoid eating large meals and consuming alcoholic
beverages at least three hours before bedtime.
• Keep the room as dark as possible and the temperature
on the cooler side.
• Wear comfortable, loose sleepwear.
• Exercise on a regular basis, ideally in the morning
hours.
• Do not drink caffeine in the afternoon.
• Create and maintain a sleep preparation routine,
relaxing at least 45 minutes to an hour before going to bed.
Avoid working on projects that require complex decision
making or involve stressful tasks during this time.
• Avoid drinking an excessive amount of fluid before
bedtime to minimize the need to use the bathroom in the
middle of the night.
Dr. Peña notes that sleeping pills should be used only
as a last resort. “Avoid them, if at all possible,” he said.
“Medications do not provide a permanent solution to sleep
problems. In general, they alter the architecture and quality
of normal sleep and leave you groggy in the morning.”
When is it a good time to consider seeing a sleep
specialist? “Anytime you have a recurrent problem falling
or staying asleep, or you experience daytime sleepiness,”
said Dr. Peña. “Also, if you exhibit any abnormal behaviors
like sleepwalking or restless legs, among others, it’s
important to see a specialist.”
Dr. Peña and his colleagues at TGH PCSI evaluate and
address sleep disorders that can negatively affect your
quality of life and overall health. “We can determine if a
sleep study at home or a test in the sleep lab would help,
and then recommend a proper plan of care depending on
the patient’s specific needs.”
For more information about the sleep health services
offered by the TGH Pulmonary Care & Sleep Institute,
please call (561) 739-4TGH (4844) or visit TGHPCSI.com.

Past Chairman Palm Beach Gardens Art in

Public Places Advisory Board

Current Chairman Palm Beach Gardens
Planning Zoning & Appeals Board

Bachelors Degree in Urban Planning with 40
years of growth management experience in
South Florida.

March 11

Political Advertisement approved and paid for by Chuck Millar for Palm Beach Gardens City Council - Group 4