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We all know sleep is important for our health and well being so why are most of us not achieving the recommended 8 hours of nightly sleep?

Today's overscheduled work and personal lives combined with technology - news, stories, movies, tv shows all on demand and us being constantly "plugged in" and available;  makes getting a full nights sleep impossible. So much so that the World Health Organization has declared a sleep loss epidemic throughout industrialized nations. 

Routinely sleeping less than 6-7 hours a night compromises your immune system, more than doubling your risk of cancer. There are links to Alzheimer's disease, blood sugar levels increasing, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. All psychiatric conditions including depression & anxiety are worsened by lack of sleep.

Sleep enriches many of our functions including the ability to learn, memorize and make logical decisions and choices. Sleep recalibrates our emotional brain circuits allowing us to navigate social challenges with composure. Sleep also helps the body regulate the appetite. 

SLEEP HYGIENE TIPS:

1. keep sleep and wake times consistent. Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time each day.

2. Have the proper sleep environment. Keep your room quiet, dark, and cool. Optimal sleeping temperature is around 68 degrees. Turn off all electronic devices with screens at least one hour prior to bedtime. 

3. Have a pre-bedtime routine. 

4. Avoid sleep prohibiting agents. Caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol can prevent you from falling or staying asleep. Avoid these wake-promoting agents 8 hours before bedtime.
 

With the recent passing of State Question 788, Dr. Williams said he had hoped to do more for his patients who in some cases are chronically ill. He says Tuesday’s restriction banning the sale of smokable marijuana is counterproductive to the reason the bill came about. Read the full story here.

The term “dysuria” refers to any pain or discomfort associated with urination (peeing). Women of any age can experience painful urination. Dysuria is most commonly associated with urinary tract infections. Pregnant women, women with diabetes, women with prior vaginal mesh surgeries, and women with any type of disease of the bladder are at higher risk of painful urination. Other causes of dysuria include: vaginal infection, bladder infection, urethral infection, sexually transmitted diseases, menopausal vaginal changes, and urinary tract cancer.  women who experience painful urination should see a doctor. Dysuria can be a symptom of a broader physical condition that may need treatment. The workup for painful urination may include urine culture, vaginal culture, and potentially further evaluation for more complex disorders of the lower urinary tract. 

Vaginal dryness is a condition that occurs due to hormonal changes in the vagina.  When estrogen levels drop in the vulva, blood flow decreases and atrophy can occur. Atrophy is thinning of the tissue that results in less rugations or natural folds in the vaginal tissue.  As the body loses rugations, the tissue becomes less elastic with less natural moisture and lubrication. This can lead not only to painful intercourse but also recurring vaginal and bladder infections.  Physiologic moisture helps maintain the proper pH balance which prevents overgrowth of yeast or harmful bacteria that can make a woman more prone to vaginitis and UTI’s.  

Treatment of vaginal atrophy can include a variety of hormone replacement options such as estrogen and testosterone which can be used in topical forms such as creams, gels, patches, sprays and pellets. There is also a laser treatment available called MonaLisa Touch which is a non-hormonal option that can help with atrophy, vaginal dryness, mild stress urinary incontinence and decreased sensitivity.