BUFFALO, N.Y. (Monday, March 29, 2004) - Kaleida Health announced its participation in "National Sleep Awareness Week" today by showcasing their Sleep Disorder Center of Western New York, which is located at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital.

National Sleep Awareness Week, which takes place March 28th - April 4th, is a public awareness campaign sponsored by the National Sleep Foundation to promote the importance of quality sleep for health, productivity and safety.

The Sleep Disorder Center of Western New York at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital is the only American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) accredited facility in Western New York. The center's physicians have performed more than 15,000 sleep studies and are board certified in sleep disorders medicine with up to 20 years of experience.

The Sleep Disorder Center offers a comprehensive approach for the diagnosis, treatment and support of persons with sleep disorders. Millions of Americans suffer and are treated for one or more of the 80 different types of chronic sleep disorders each year.

"Poor health, impaired performance and reduced quality of life are the consequences of untreated sleep disorders," said Dr. Daniel Rifkin, Medical Director for The Sleep Disorder Center. "These disorders can range from insomnia and sleep apnea to snoring, narcolepsy, night terrors and sleep walking."

The center offers the most technologically advanced sleep studies to help diagnose a wide range of sleep disorders. Assessments include polysomnography, multiple sleep latency testing, and maintenance of wakefulness testing. The center also offers support groups, community awareness programs and educational sessions to the community at no charge.

Dr. Rifkin added, "Most sleep disorders are easily identified and can be effectively treated to improve one's quality of life. The key is getting help."

Untreated sleep disorders may be associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, motor vehicle or job related accidents, and job loss. Symptoms can include snoring loudly, stopping breathing while sleeping, waking up snorting or gasping for air, difficulty staying awake or falling asleep, and sleepwalking.

The consequences of sleep deprivation are staggering. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that "drowsy driving" claims 1,500 lives and accounts for at least 100,000 auto accidents in the United States each year. In addition, the costs to society reach millions of dollars in accidents and lost or reduced productivity.

The Sleep Disorder Center recommends that, even if you don't have a sleep disorder, the following may help you make the most of your nights:

• Keep a regular schedule. Go to bed and get up about the same time each morning.
• Sleep only as much as you need to feel rested.
• Your sleeping room should be dark, quiet, comfortable, and safe.
• Avoid drinking beverages that contain caffeine in the late afternoon or evening.
• Don't use alcohol as a sedative. It will wake you in the middle of the night.
• Get plenty of exercise, but not within 2 hours of bedtime.
• Don't go to bed hungry, but don't eat too heavily before sleep.
• Develop your own nightly ritual such as a reading, listening to music, or just relaxing.
• If you can't sleep, get out of bed and return only when you feel sleepy.