Mayo Clinic News Source - March 2003

Monday, March 31, 2003

Are You in Shock and Awe?
War Attacks Can Lead to Anxiety Attack

Feeling anxious just from watching war news on TV? You're not alone. Fear, anxiety and depression are common responses to the reality of these distressing events, according to physicians at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. And watching or hearing the war unfold in real-time on television and radio may make it tough to sort through your conflicting emotions.

"Apprehension is a normal reaction to times of uncertainty," says Lee Ann Kelley, M.D., psychiatrist at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, "And current events have raised anxiety to a fever pitch for many people."

Dr. Kelley can explain:

• A four-step plan for coping with uncertainty.
• Ways to stop obsessing about the war even when you're not watching or listening to reports about it.
• Physical symptoms that may be related to the stress of war.
• When it's time to seek professional help.

Dying For A Good Night's Sleep?
Sleep disturbances could be a sign of life-threatening disorder

If you listed life-threatening conditions, would you include snoring? Probably not. Though often harmless, heavy snoring can be a clue that you, or that annoying person on the other side of the bed, have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

"Loud snoring, especially when it's interrupted by periods of silence, may be a sign of a serious problem such as OSA," says Phillip Lyng, M.D., sleep specialist at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. "OSA causes reduced blood oxygen levels and makes you wake up numerous times during the night. Diagnosis and treatment of OSA could be a life saver."

Nearly one in five Americans suffer from sleep disorders that result in daytime sleepiness. In addition to causing work and memory problems, excessive daytime sleepiness is the cause of more than 100,000 motor vehicle accidents each year. In conjunction with National Sleep Awareness Week, March 31 through April 4.

Dr. Lyng can discuss:

• How to recognize OSA or other sleep disorders, and what to do about it
• Ten tips for a better night's sleep
• When to seek help at a sleep disorders center
• What's included in a formal sleep study

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