Dr. Jose Puangco, service chief for the Hoag Sleep Health Program, including its Voltmer Sleep Center in Newport Beach and Hoag Sleep Center in Irvine, says restorative sleep is vital for overall health. REM sleep, in particular, solidifies memories and the learning process. Getting enough restorative sleep also helps with emotional stability, better stress management, improved attention span, alertness and problem-solving.
“Everyone has occasional episodes of insomnia, but it’s the bad habits we pick up during these times, such as prolonged use of sleep medications or excessive caffeine intake, that have long-lasting effects,” says Hoag Sleep Health Program Supervisor Alana Sherrill. “For some patients with severe insomnia, they don’t really remember how it started, but they have picked up so many bad habits over the years, they’ve forgotten how to sleep without them.”