| " Susie Esther, MD, medical director of The Sleep Center at SouthPark, a part of Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Associates, P.A., and a member of the AASM board of directors, says that one of the other challenges for today's mothers comes from shift work schedules. Further, said Esther, more and more of today's moms are trying to both spend time with their children and work outside of the home as well. " " "This can lead to sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness, as well as physical symptoms including deterioration in mood, more frequent infections, marked irritability and weight gain," said Esther. "What fatigued, it is a normal phenomenon to reach for carbohydrates for 'quick energy', when what is really needed is some schedule adjustment allowing for better sleep. Getting enough sleep, then, is a part of a healthy diet!" " " A mother of four, Dr. Esther remembers well the frustration she experienced when being told to simply "get enough rest". " " "It takes real effort to make sure that time for sleep is factored into a busy day," said Esther. "Remember, though, that as a parent, you are modeling for the next generation how to coordinate a busy schedule and yet find time to practice healthy habits, including healthy sleep habits. This means having time to unwind before getting in bed." " " Dr. Esther referred to two studies published in recent issues of the journal SLEEP with some interesting findings about moms and sleep: " " 1. The refusal of young children to go to bed at night can cause unnecessary stress for mothers. However, moms can take comfort in knowing that behavioral therapies are an effective means for resolving a child's bedtime problems and night wakings. 2. Following the birth of a baby, it is common for new mothers to awaken to the sound of their baby's cry several times a night. Constantly getting out of bed to tend to their baby's needs causes a disruption in the mother's sleep, which may affect her physical and emotional well- being the next day. However, a behavioral-educational intervention may bring some much-needed relief to both mother and baby. By providing new moms with strategies for settling babies, teaching babies the difference between day and night, and developing healthy adult and infant sleep habits, sleep significantly improves for both mothers and babies. " " On behalf of the AASM, Dr. Esther offers the following sleep hygiene tips for all moms: " " 1. Get out of bed at same time each morning (little ones help to ensure that this will happen). 2. Make your bedroom cool and comfortable. 3. Don't stay in bed and try to sleep. If, in 10-15 minutes, you are struggling to fall asleep, get up and move to another room and do something distracting, but not stimulating.
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