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While most people experience fewer problems with the fall time change than when “springing forward” in March, any change to your normal sleep routine can be disruptive, says Oscar Schwartz, MD, BJC Medical Group sleep disorder specialist and medical director of the Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital Sleep Disorder/EEG Center. Inadequate sleep is associated with memory decline, difficulty in concentration, decreases in mental and physical performance, mood swings, irritability, depression, stress, high blood pressure, weight gain and automobile accidents. It’s also associated with a host of other health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and dementia.

Nov. 4 marks the start of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. Sponsored by the National Sleep Foundation, the week seeks to raise public awareness about drowsy driving, its effect on drivers and how it can be avoided. Ultimately, the goal is to decrease drowsy driving and make America’s roads safer. The Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital Sleep Center offers tips to avoid drowsy driving.

On March 11, we will “spring forward” and gain an hour of light, but lose an hour of sleep.

Patient diagnosed with sleep apnea benefits from home sleep testing offered through the Sleep Disorders Center at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital.

 Dr. Oscar Schwartz, BJC Medical Group sleep disorder specialist and medical director of Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Center shares eight tips for getting your best sleep.