CentraCare Health Talks Sleep for Sleep Awareness Month [VIDEO]

[onescreen item="5164230"]

SARTELL -- This time of year isn't just about giving thanks but sleeping as well.

November marks Sleep Awareness Month and experts are reminding you to get the proper amount of sleep.

"The average teenager needs about nine hours of sleep and the average adult six to eight hours."

Dr. Troy Payne is the Medical Director at the CentraCare Health Sleep Center. He says you need sleep to release a chemical build up in your brain.

"The longer you're awake you build up these things in your brain called Adenosine, and if you don't get rid of them by sleeping you will become drowsy."

Dr. Payne says in today's society people tend to get minimal sleep which could result in serious medical conditions.

"By forcing yourself to stay awake you stand a greater chance of making your diabetes worse and increase a chance for strokes, heart attacks and blood pressure problems."

However, a lack of sleep may occur because of sleep conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea. These can be over come with the help of sleep coaches or a CPAP machine.

"We have come a long way from the large CPAP masks people would wear. Now they are much smaller, light weight and just fits your nose."

Signs of lack of sleep may include yawning, blinking more, and taking longer to open your eyes.

Dr. Payne also reminds you to never drive tired.

"We see more and more accidents occur because the driver fell asleep."

If you are having trouble and would like some answers visit the CentraCare Clinic Sleep Center.