While most people often think of diet and exercise as the main contributors to healthy living, sleep is just as critical to overall well-being. However, those suffering from sleep disorders such as insomnia, snoring, or sleep apnea may not get the quality sleep they need, which can have a negative effect on health.

The WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute Sleep Evaluation Center offers state-of-the-art equipment and treatment programs to diagnose and manage sleep-related disorders. The Sleep Evaluation Center’s multidisciplinary staff, comprised of experts in otolaryngology, neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics, and pulmonary medicine, provides comprehensive care to help patients overcome sleep problems. Locations in Morgantown and WVU Medicine Fairmont Medical Center provide access to a larger patient population.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. However, more than 40 percent of adult West Virginians don’t get enough sleep. High rates of obesity and chronic diseases like heart failure and diabetes throughout the state have resulted in a higher prevalence of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

“Sleep is essential for health,” Robert Stansbury, M.D., WVU Medicine pulmonologist and director of the Sleep Evaluation Center, said. “If you feel like you’re not getting adequate sleep, or you feel you’re still not feeling rested when you get up in the morning, it’s something you should bring up with your doctor.”

Dr. Stansbury talks about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of several common sleep problems, including sleep apnea, in Sleep Problems: Why Can’t I Sleep?, a recent episode of the Live Healthy WV podcast. He also discusses a rural health initiative to improve patient access to sleep experts and reviews the expertise of the WVU Medicine sleep medicine team, among other sleep topics.

To listen to the podcast on sleep problems, click here.

For more information about the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute Sleep Evaluation Center, visit WVUMedicine.org/Sleep.