For those who experience headache pain, it is important to understand what you are feeling in order to identify the type of headache, treat the pain and make changes to avoid the development of a chronic condition. Halima Karim, MD, a neurologist with Dignity Health Woodland Clinic, shares more about headache disorders and provides insight on the most common type — migraines.

World Sleep Day is an annual observance, intended to be a celebration of sleep and to shed light on important issues related to sleep, including medicine, education and societal impacts. It aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on individuals through better prevention and management of sleep disorders. It also calls all sleep professionals to advocate and educate the world about the importance of sleep for achieving an optimal quality of life and to improve global health.

Robert Dias, MD, a neurologist and sleep expert with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group, shares his insight on the importance of sleep and some tips for getting better sleep.

When we think about caring for ourselves, we often equate that to healthy eating and physical activity. However, proper sleep is just as critical for both mental and physical health – especially now. Families are continuing to navigate changes in their lives on account of the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of sleep can impact how we respond to stress and anxiety.

The reality is that almost 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia and another 22 million suffer from sleep apnea. Lack of sleep not only impacts quality of life, but it can alter your immune system and lead to other serious conditions. In fact, research suggests that sleep is necessary for removing a toxic protein in our brain tissue called beta-amyloid. This protein is associated with the onset of dementia.

These days so many people experience sleep deprivation from living hectic lives. Add to that about 60 million Americans with insomnia and another 22 million who suffer from sleep apnea, and there’s clearly a growing population that needs to get more rest. As we look to “spring forward” with the clocks, it’s a good time to reflect about the importance of sleep.

Dignity Health Medical Foundation – Woodland and Davis has announced the addition of several new expert health care providers, with specialties in neurology, oncology, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology.