• Do you snore?

• Are you excessively tired during the day?

• Have you been told you stop breathing at night?

• Do you have high blood pressure?

• Do you fall asleep or doze while driving or
working?

• Is your neck size more than 17 in. (male) or 16 in (female)?

If you answered “YES” to three or more of these questions, please let your physician know during your next visit.

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The new ECIM Sleep Center is now open!
ECIM is pleased to introduce a new service for patients and residents of the Eastern region. The ECIM Sleep Center opened September 29, at 2117 Glenburnie Road in New Bern next to Realo Drugs. ECIM has partnered with United Sleep Medicine to provide this important service. United Sleep Medicine is the leader in Sleep Medicine developing one of the finest independent sleep medicine companies in the Carolinas over 10 years ago. Their state of the art sleep centers offer patients the very latest in quality care. United Sleep Medicine Centers have the highly acclaimed status of Accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. ECIM and United Sleep Medicine share the same goal of being a healthcare organization committed to the patients. We are dedicated to having a positive impact on patient suffering from sleep disorders and more generally, the communities we serve by delivering the highest quality of patient care.

The ECIM Sleep Center is fully equipped and staffed by a team of sleep professionals. Dr Kathy Marks, ECIM physician will supervise the team. Dr. Marks is quadruple board certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine.

ECIM and United Sleep Medicine are dedicated to having a positive impact on patients suffering from sleep disorders. For more information, call
252-633-1010.

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Sleep Tips for a Racing Mind
Have you ever spent the night wanting to just turn off or stop racing? Or you go to sleep only to be awakened by your thoughts? Most of us have been through this once or twice when we are stressed or over-worked, but for others, it is an unpleasant part of their daily life.

In a March 2009 poll released by the National Sleep Foundation it suggests that inadequate sleep is associated with unhealthy lifestyles and negatively impacts health and safety. The poll revealed that one-third of all Americans are losing sleep over the economy. (1) Unfortunately, you are not alone if you suffer from a mind that won’t turn off! Take heart though, there’s help!

10 Tips for more peaceful rest...

1 . Reserve a “Worry Time” some 10-15 minutes before bed. Take out a piece of paper and on one side of the page list “concern” or “problem” ...in the next column list out the activity, not necessarily the resolution.

2 . Listen to Meditation or Relaxation tapes or even soothing music. Avoid new programs!

3 . Go to bed sleepy. If you have not fallen asleep or are about to fall asleep within 30 minutes of being in bed, get out of bed and go to a different location within the home. Low light and no distractions (i.e, television) will have your head bobbing in just about no time! Do this as often as is necessary.

4 . Get up and do quiet activities, such as reading, if you cannot fall asleep within 30 minutes. Staying in bed will only worsen the situation.

5 . Avoid caffeine after 4 pm, this includes, coffee, chocolate, tea and soda.

6 . Engage in quiet activities before bed, having a “wind down” time.

7 . Make sure the bedroom is dark, cool, and quiet.

8 . Be sure bed linens and sleeping surfaces are comfortable and clean.

9 . Exercise regularly, but complete strenuous activity at least 3 hours before bedtime.

10. Use the bedroom for sleep and intimate times. Remove all electronics (TV’s, cell phones, computers), work materials, etc.

Sacrificing sleep is the wrong solution for dealing with problems. Sleep is the foundation for a healthy life!

Remember to talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any problems sleeping.

1. March 2, 2009; National Sleep Foundation, One-third of Americans Lose Sleep Over Economy.

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