Putting problems over sleep disorders to rest

Star: PETALING JAYA: If you snore compulsively, you are suffering from a sleep disorder symptom.
Many of us, without realising it, may have sleeping disorders but are unaware of the dangers that come with it.
According to the Sleep Disorder Society of Malaysia (SDSM), about 10% to 35% of the world population suffer from some form of sleep disorder, and over half of them do not seek medical advice.
This could result in serious problems like road accidents when one drives a vehicle without enough sleep.
To diagnose the local situation, SDSM, Universiti Malaya Department of Psychological Medicine and Dreamland Corporation have combined efforts and launched a Sleep Health Careline – an Interactive Voice Response System hotline to serve as a survey module and to educate the public on sleep hygiene.
Those suffering from sleep problems can dial 03-7960 2924 and answer a series of 10 symptomatic questions.
They would then be given advice on good sleep hygiene like not indulging in caffeine or nicotine before bedtime.
Callers who leave their name and number will have their calls returned within a week.
At the launch yesterday, UM head of Department of Psychological Medicine and SDSM deputy president Prof Dr Hussain Habil said sleep disorders had been known to be the source of many road accidents.
“With data from Careline, we will research the prevalence of sleep disorder problems here, then work with other agencies to tackle the problem,” he said.