Sleep News Archive

Dr. Lisa Shives appears regularly in print, television and online as an expert in the field of Sleep Medicine in her role as an official spokesperson for the Academy of Sleep Medicine. She provides tips on improving your sleep, information about a variety of sleep disorders — for adults, teens and children — and comments on the latest sleep research.

Read up on sleep issues that may affect you or your family.

Sleep Advice, Sleep Info: 2010

• GET SOME SLEEP: Tune in each Tuesday for Dr. Shive's sleep reports on CNN's Health Blog.
  Find out how to "Get Some Sleep" >>
  Dr. Shives' CNN Health Blog: Get some sleep
  November 2010
  News and insight on sleep health including how shift work disrupts your sleep and how light (or lack of it) helps.
• Driving Drowsy as Dangerous as DUI: Northshore Sleep Medicine Promotes Healthy Sleep Habits During National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, November 8-14
  
• Dr. Lisa Shives presents "The Relationship Between Sleep Disorders and Weight Gain/
  Obesity" at 60th Annual Obesity & Associated Conditions Symposium, New Orleans, LA, November 13, 2010
  Addressing the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, Dr. Shives' talk will cover the prevalence, presentation, diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia and narcolepsy since they may affect their patients' weight.
  
• Don't suffocate him with your pillow: Your snorer might be suffocating already, MakeItBetter.net, October 2010
  "Nationally recognized sleep expert Dr. Lisa Shives, of Northshore Sleep Medicine in Evanston, says sleep apnea sufferers are two to three times more likely to have high blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, heart failure, coronary artery disease and stroke, as well as a higher risk of dementia, obesity, diabetes and depression."
• 5 signals you're sleep deprived: 2. You're still hungry after eating all day, Prevention, September 2010
  
  BLOG: Follow Dr. Shives on her blog to get her take on sleep and health in the news.
  See the Sleep. Eat. Play! blog >>
  
  "Tired people tend to be particularly drawn to sugars and other simple carbohydrates, probably because the body is looking for a quick pick-me-up, says Lisa Shives, MD."
• 6 Doctor-recommended sleep aids: Over the counter sleeping pill, CNN Health, September 2010
  "The less often you take these pills, the better," says Lisa Shives, M.D., a sleep specialist in Evanston, Illinois. "You can build up a tolerance, and then they won't work as well."
• Men with insomnia may have higher death risk: Study shows 4-fold higher death rate in men with insomnia vs. normal sleepers, WebMD, September 2010
  Shives notes people with insomnia tend to be in a constant "flight-or-fight" stress mode.
• Dr. Lisa Shives accepts invitation to join National Sleep Foundation's Public Awareness Committee, September 2010
  The committee provides assistance and review for National Sleep Foundation's efforts to upgrade and change public awareness and perceptions about the importance of sleep, sleep disorders and related issues, including outreach activities like National Sleep Awareness Week, March 7-13, 2011.
• Sleep lightly or through anything? Thank (or blame) the brain, USA Today, August 10, 2010
  
  NEW: Check out our web site focusing on pediatric sleep issues.
  Visit "Kids Need Sleep" >>
  For people who have trouble staying asleep, Shives recommends taking a hot bath or shower one hour before bed. This makes the body temperature rise and then fall, which causes a drowsy effect. People should also avoid eating foods with a lot of sugar.
• Sleep deprivation linked to depression in teens, CNN Health, June 2010
  "To get into a good college, it's not enough to be an A student," says Dr. Lisa Shives, M.D., the medical director of Northshore Sleep Medicine, in Evanston, Illinois
• Insomnia shown to raise risk of dying, San Antonio Express (MySanAntonio.com), June 2010
  

  "I do think it's very significant," said Shives, medical director of the North Shore Sleep Medicine Center in Evanston, Ill. "What's worrisome is that we don't treat insomnia very well. We need to put more time and research into finding good treatments."

• Sleep on it, Longevity, May 2010
  Stop opening e-mails and start closing your eyes. Light from electronic devices, including computers, cell phones, and televisions, stimulates the brain to get up and go, says Shives.

• Niles North Art Department student wins Northshore Sleep Medicine mural contest, School Digest, Skokie Review, May 2010

  
  Niles North Art Department student Anjali Lakha won first place and a $500 gift certificate as the winner of the Northshore Sleep Medicine's Sleep Mural Contest, a competition open to high school artists and art departments. The Sleep Mural Contest was judged by Dr. Lisa Shives of the Northshore Sleep Medicine Center and her staff. Dr. Shives is a renowned sleep medicine specialist and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Lakha's winning design will be created by Lori Real's art students and installed on the east wall of the Northshore Sleep Medicine sleep clinic at 3451 Church Street in Skokie/Evanston. Other award winners are: Sandra Bitros who earned second place and a $250 gift certificate and Amy Yu received third place and a $150 gift certificate. Once the mural is installed, the Niles North Art Department will receive $2,000.

• Ask the Expert, Today's Chicago Woman, May 2010
  Dr. Irina Trosman responds to a question about weight, pregnancy and sleep.

• Northshore Sleep Medicine now offers Provent™ Professional Sleep Apnea Therapy, Spring 2010

  If you have given CPAP a try, but couldn't seem to make it work for you, find out more about this new simple, noninvasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

• At Midnight, All the Doctors, New York Times, March 2010
  Dr. Lisa Shives writes for the NYT Opinionator Blog: "If there were a medical solution to sleeplessness, there would not be this need for sharing stories of nocturnal misery and outlining strategies for persevering. There have, however, been advances in our understanding of the disorder."

• The White House Mystery Drug: Obama's newly released medical report reveals he's taking a prescription medication for jet lag, The Daily Beast, March 2010
  "If they're going to give him something to wake him up, Provigil is the way to go," says Dr. Lisa Shives, medical director of Northshore Sleep Medicine in Evanston, Illinois.

• Natural Sleep Aids: Dietary Supplements, WebMD, March 2010
  "People think, 'it's natural, that means it's safe,'" says Shives, who is medical director at North Shore Sleep Medicine in Evanston, Ill. "But strychnine is also natural. 'Natural' doesn't mean you shouldn't use caution."

• Fighting Off Sleepiness: Myths and Facts, WebMED, March 2010
  In fact, taking a nap can refresh you -- just be sure to keep it brief, cautions Lisa Shives, MD, medical director at North Shore Sleep Medicine in Evanston, Ill. "Research shows that that a short, 10-minute nap makes you more alert and improves performance on cognitive tests," says Shives, who is a spokeswoman for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

• Pets in Your Bed: WebMD discusses the health implications of your pets sleeping in your bed with you and how you can keep your bedroom healthy, March 2010
  "I've had patients that I've spent visit after visit going over their insomnia problems, trying to figure out what's happening, then I find out they have a dog that's scratching all night," says Lisa Shives, MD, medical director of Northshore Sleep Medicine, a sleep center outside Chicago.

• Artists for mural contest sought, Skokie Review, February 2010
  Northshore Sleep Medicine has announced the Sleep Mural Contest, a fine-art competition among high school artists and art departments located on Chicago's Northshore.
  SEE ART MURAL CONTEST RULES >>

• Time for bed? Older people may need less sleep, study finds, Daily Record, February 2010
  "The party line has long been that we do not think sleep needs change from the early 20s until death, though we do know that many older people get less sleep," says Lisa Shives, a physician who specializes in sleep medicine in Evanston, Ill.

• What's Really Keeping You Awake: Tackle the source, and the sandman will follow, MSN Health and Fitness, February 2010
  "Not all snoring is a sign of trouble, but if you suspect you have apnea, see a specialist: Left unchecked, the disruptions in oxygen flow can lead to stroke or heart disease, warns Lisa Shives, M.D., medical director of Northshore Sleep Medicine in Evanston, Illinois."

• Too Sleepy for Sex? Ask yourself these four questions to stop sleepiness from stealing your sex life, WebMD, February 2010
  "With insomnia, patients never say, 'What the hell, I can't sleep so I'll just give my husband some snuggies.' They are actually tired, they can't get their mind shut off, and they lay there fretting about it. The last thing they're interested in is sexy business," says Lisa Shives, MD, director of the Northshore Sleep Clinic in Evanston, Ill.
  

• Your Health: A good night's sleep study for people over 65, USA Today, February 2010
  "The party line has long been that we do not think sleep needs change from the early 20s until death, though we do know that many older people get less sleep,' says Lisa Shives, a physician who specializes in sleep medicine in Evanston, Ill."

• Your Internal Sleep Clock, Everyday Health, February 2010
  "Dr. Shives says that light is one of the most powerful signals that tell your body to remain awake — however, a signal saying 'stay asleep' (especially if you're sleep-deprived) can override the fact that sunlight is shining all around you."

• 5 Signals You're Sleep Deprived: How to tell if skimping on your Zzzs is hurting your health, Prevention, February 2010
  "Tired people tend to be particularly drawn to sugars and other simple carbohydrates, probably because the body is looking for a quick pick-me-up, says Lisa Shives, MD."

• What's Causing Your Sleepiness? Are you skimping on sleep, or could you have a sleep disorder? WebMD, January 2010
  "I do think that perhaps the No. 1 sleep problem in America is willful sleep limitation. People are working too hard and purposely limit themselves to six hours when they should be getting seven or eight," says Lisa Shives, MD.

• Sleep Disorders, The Designer Health Net Talk Show, 93.7 WRMO, January 17, 2010
  Click here to launch the MP3 audio file in your web browser to hear the interview.
  "About 10% of Americans have this tendency where the brain is just not able to shut down at night," Dr. Lisa Shives tells host Kriste' Bouvier.

Sleep Advice, Sleep Info: 2009

• Sleep-Deprived Americans Can't Get Any Shut-Eye, Todays Vital Health, December 2009.
  "Some really bad habits? Late-night TV-watching and Internet surfing, she says. 'You don't want anything late at night that gets a lot of light into your eyes because it signals to your brain center that it's time to get up and feed the chickens,' Dr. Shives says."
  
• 10 Ways to Get Better Sleep (and Maybe Cure Your Insomnia), U.S. News & World Report, 2009.
  "Try taking a hot bath or sipping a warm cup of chamomile tea; either will raise your core body temperature, which leads to a drowsy feeling as you cool down, says Lisa Shives, medical director of Northshore Sleep Medicine in Evanston, Ill."
  
• A Stimulating Treatment for Sleep Apnea, Technology Review, December 2009.
  "'There are 16 other muscles that are possible culprits in sleep apnea,' says Lisa Shives, medical director of Northshore Sleep Medicine in Evanston, IL."
  
• Autoimmune Disorders and Sleep Problems, Everyday Health, December 2009.
  "I always try to be sure that the appropriate measures are taken to control the pain before we treat insomnia with sleep medications or cognitive behavioral therapy," says Dr. Shives.
  
• Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule to help Prevent Weight Gain This Thanksgiving, November 2009. News from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Dr. Lisa Shives.
  "During the holidays, good sleep habits are just as important as avoiding over eating."
  
• Wakeup Week: Tips for Better Sleep
  ABC-7 Chicago Morning News, November 2009
  "Besides sleep, Dr. Shives says people need more quiet, alone time to relax and reflect, a time without the computer, the cell phone, the TV, and video games."
• Is too much sleep making you tired? CNN, October 2009
  "'They'll wake up and be in this weird state of sleep drunkenness,' Shives said. 'If it's really severe, you're not going to be in any state to make decisions. If it's just regular [case], a lot of us feel 'blah,' and most of us have to carry on and get going on a shower and cups of coffee.'"
• Sleep center interest surges both on and off campus, Health Facilities Management, October 2009
  "'Sleep labs should be designed to make patients feel safe and comfortable when they arrive in the evening for their overnight test,' says Dr. Lisa Shives. "
• The 5 Keys to Keeping Your Youth: Secret 4, Get Your ZZZZs, Momfit: The Movement, September 2009
  "'It's bad to lay there with a spinning brain,' says Dr. Lisa Shives, MD, medical director of Northshore Sleep Medicine in Evanston, Illinois. Women with poor sleep are more likely to be overweight and have diabetes — not to mention be sluggish and crabby, she says."
• They Make Money While You Sleep, Inc., September 2009
  "Lisa Shives, owner of Northshore Sleep Medicine, a private practice based in Skokie, Illinois, says Zeo should have an ample market for their product. The United States is preoccupied 'with sleep because we neglect it more than other countries,' she says."
• Don't wait, get help for insomnia before it's a habit, USA Today, August 2009
  "Sleep is when the body detoxes and the immune system rejuvenates, says Lisa Shives, an internist and medical director at Northshore Sleep Medicine in Evanston, Ill. Insomnia over the long term wreaks havoc with the body and mind."
• Searching for the Right Sleep Solution, Forbes, August 2009
  "One major factor, Shives says, is using electronic media just before bed. She recommends shutting it off an hour or two before bedtime to limit mental activity and the amount of light bombarding the eye—the stimulant can trick the brain into staying alert well into the night."
• Insomnia therapy: What works, what doesn't, USA Today, July 2009
  "What we think happens with chronic insomnia is people start a negative association with their own bed and bedroom," she says. "It becomes the bed of thorns or the land of trouble."
• APSS: Sleep Apnea Not Limited to Obese Patients
  Reviewing the findings of a study showing a high percentage of obstructive sleep apnea in patients of relatively normal weight, MedPage Today, June 2009
• Obesity, restless legs syndrome linked
  Dr. Shives weighs in on sleep interruption and RLS, USA Today, April 2009
• 10 Ways to Get Better Sleep (and Maybe Cure Your Insomnia)
  Relaxation rituals and other tips from Dr. Shives in US News and World Report, March 2009
• Healthy Living Step No. 6: Sleep Better
  Tips if you have trouble sleeping, WebMD, 2009
• Women Have More, Scarier Nightmares Than Men
  Chicago Sun-Times, February 2009
• A Good Marriage Equals Good Sleep
  Lemondrop.com, February 2009
• Tired of Ambien? Meet the Sleep Medications of the Near Future
  Health.com, 2009
• Catch More ZZZ's in 2009
  Get help with your New Year's resolutions, AdvanceWeb, 2009
  

Sleep Advice, Sleep Info: 2008

• Sleep Myths
  ABC 7 news interview by Hosea Sanders, 2008
• Sleep apnea? Me? My child?
  Our ad in Good Housekeeping, Redbook and Women's Day, December 2008.
• Kids with Dogs May Become Snorers, CBS News, August 2008.
  "'This doesn't say much to me,' she says of the findings. Early infection is the most feasible of the risk factors associated with boosting snoring risk, she says. "
• Sleep Skinny
  Dr. Shives talks aobut how sleep affects weight loss
  AdvanceWeb, 2008.