--- title: Sleep Better, Live Better Blog | Good Sleep Habits description: Good Sleep Habits | Read the latest information about sleep and heath on our Sleep Better, Live Better. Blog. Los Angeles based Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. provides diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders with sleep centers located across Southern California. --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 ## Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ### *We believe that education is the first step to finding better sleep. Our articles educate people on sleep news, sleep disorders, and sleep care to help them achieve better health and live better lives. * *Thanks for joining the conversation.* ## [Does Pre-Bed Video Gaming Ruin Your Sleep?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/pre-bed-video-gaming) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Nov 1, 2016 8:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/teenage-boys-video-game-sleep.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/pre-bed-video-gaming) Video gaming is something of a national pastime among teenagers in the United States. One survey found that nearly 75% of teenage boys participate in some form of gaming^1.  With so many of our  kids playing video games as a principle form of recreation, and so many of the video games being highly action-oriented and even violent, it's natural to wonder how this stimulation can impact sleep.  [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/pre-bed-video-gaming) Topics: [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) ## [The Real Reason They Call it the Graveyard Shift...](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-real-reason-they-call-it-the-graveyard-shift) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Oct 10, 2016 6:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/Website_Redesign_Photos/sleep_technician_hooking_up_a_child_for_sleep_study.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-real-reason-they-call-it-the-graveyard-shift) I wanted to start this week with a real warm and fuzzy post about how grateful we are for our sleep technologists. We call them night techs. Each October, the [American Association of Sleep Technologists](http://www.aastweb.org/appreciation-week) celebrates Sleep Tech Week to recognize the technologists who play a vital role in sleep centers across the country. # Who performs overnight sleep studies? That's right... our Registered Polysomnographic Technologists... our sleep techs (or RPSGTs for short). These are the ladies and gents that perform sleep studies, for the young and old, sick and tired, seven nights a week almost 365 days a year. The tech who attaches all of the electrodes and tucks you in for a good night's sleep at the sleep center.   Our sleep techs work tirelessly making sure that our patients are comfortable, informed, and properly cared for during their overnight sleep studies. It's a tough job. Many patients undergoing sleep studies are nervous, anxious, tired and not interested in spending the night in an unfamiliar place with an unfamiliar technician. But it's an important job! After completing a sleep study and receiving treatment for a sleep disorder, [many patients report that their lives are greatly improved](http://www.midmichigan.org/conditions-treatments/neuroscience/sleep-disorders/testimonials/sleeping-better-thanks-to-a-simple-test/).  So that got me thinking: who's taking care of the sleep techs? I have several questions: - What are the effects of working the Graveyard Shift (ie: working overnight)? Does it cause sleep disorders? - Can anyone work overnight, or are some people more suited to night work than others? - Do gravediggers really dig graves at night? (this question seems appropriate as we approach Halloween) Here's what I found: [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-real-reason-they-call-it-the-graveyard-shift) Topics: [Sleep Disorders](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders), [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) ## [The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Work Performance](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-effects-of-sleep-deprivation-on-work-performance) Posted by [Vicki Cuplin](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/vicki-cuplin) Sep 13, 2016 7:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/Hult-infographic_header-698x395.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-effects-of-sleep-deprivation-on-work-performance) Busy professionals experience many pressures that impede their ability to obtain optimal amounts of sleep. Working according to shift patterns, working across different time zones simultaneously and international travel¹ are all common causes of sleep loss. In addition, the use of artificial lighting and hand-held technologies at night², ever increasing pressure to perform (and to be ‘seen’ to perform) and the lengthening of the working day all make the challenge of getting optimal sleep more difficult for employees. In this guest post, Professor Vicki Culpin, a professor at Hult International Business School shares her recent research findings on the influence of sleep quality on work life. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-effects-of-sleep-deprivation-on-work-performance) Topics: [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits), [Insomnia](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/insomnia) ## [4 Reasons Why You Should Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses TONIGHT](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/3-reasons-why-you-should-wear-blue-light-blocking-glasses-tonight) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Aug 29, 2016 2:00:00 PM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hub/299691/file-1975081147.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/3-reasons-why-you-should-wear-blue-light-blocking-glasses-tonight)   **I have good news for you. Musicians aren't the only people who can look cool wearing tinted glasses ... inside ... at night. ** According to research, exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt our sleep. Blue wavelength light, the kind that comes from TVs, iPads, and smartphones, is especially harmful to circadian rhythm function.  So, what are we do to about this? In this blog post, we explain the top reasons why you should consider wearing a pair of these dashing glasses tonight. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/3-reasons-why-you-should-wear-blue-light-blocking-glasses-tonight) Topics: [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits), [Sleep and Society](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) ## [Top 5 Things You Should Know About Your Child's Sleep as the School Year Starts](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/top-5-things-you-should-know-about-your-childs-sleep) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Aug 16, 2016 4:00:00 PM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/teen-falling-asleep-doing-schoolwork.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/top-5-things-you-should-know-about-your-childs-sleep) # How Much Sleep Does My Child Need? The National Sleep Foundation updated their recommended sleep duration guidelines for all age groups in 2015 based on an expert panel's comprehensive review of published scientific studies on sleep and health. Ranges are given instead of a hard number for each age group. The experts acknowledge that there is individual variability and the range is intended to be a starting point for individuals to discuss sleep with their healthcare providers. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/top-5-things-you-should-know-about-your-childs-sleep) Topics: [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits), [Kids and Sleep](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/kids-and-sleep) ## [How Does Sleep Affect Exercise Recovery?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-does-sleep-affect-exercise-recovery) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Aug 4, 2016 7:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/sleep_and_exercise_recovery.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-does-sleep-affect-exercise-recovery) We've covered the benefits of exercise for improving the quality of your sleep and how to balance sleep and exercise (click [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-to-balance-exercise-and-sleep)). In this post we'll cover the importance of sleep for athletes at all levels, including recent scientific studies that look at the benefits of sleep for recovery after exercise. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-does-sleep-affect-exercise-recovery) Topics: [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits), [Sleep and Exercise](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-exercise) ## [Sleeping Outside and Camping with CPAP](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleeping-outside-and-camping-with-cpap) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Jun 2, 2016 12:00:00 PM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/camping_sunset.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleeping-outside-and-camping-with-cpap) For me, camping is all about sleeping outside- both the challenges and the rewards. It has taken our family years of trial and error to find exactly the right sleeping arrangements (10 person tent for the 5 of us, queen-sized self-inflating air mattress, flannel sheets, heavy down comforter and kids on their own cots). Camping is almost always a social activity with one or more other families. Our kids run around all day, getting filthy and engaging in screen-free activities like catching lizards and throwing rocks. As the sun sets and we clean up sticky fingers from our nightly s'mores, I'm ready for bed. I love the creeping sleepiness that approaches with the sunset after spending an entire day outdoors. It's also the one time my kids don't argue about going to bed. They're ready. We fall asleep just after the sun sets and wake up just after it rises. It's no surprise that [studies](http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trouble-sleeping-go-campi/) have shown sleeping outside is great for re-calibrating your sleep cycle. Camping [usually] means that you're not using your iPhone or watching TV before bed. Electronic devices are not only stimulants- as all parents know- but also emit blue light which can effect melatonin levels and make it hard to fall asleep (learn more about that [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/3-reasons-why-you-should-wear-blue-light-blocking-glasses-tonight)).  Sleeping outside typically means that you're following the sun's schedule. So even if you're not getting more sleep when you're camping (which I always do), the timing of your sleep gets in sync with natural melatonin levels so it's easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling more rested. I could reminisce about my recent camping trip (see that beautiful sunset? That was our first night camping in Big Sur this past weekend) for this entire post; however, I'll tie this back to our main topic, sleeping outside. No matter where or who we go camping with, there are two questions that often come up while camping related to sleep apnea.  [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleeping-outside-and-camping-with-cpap) Topics: [Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea), [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) ## [Driving Drowsy vs. Driving Drunk: the Fatal Mistake Most People Make](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/driving-drowsy-vs-driving-drunk) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) May 2, 2016 8:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hub/299691/file-2336220299.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/driving-drowsy-vs-driving-drunk) We all know that drinking and driving is dangerous and illegal... but did you know that **driving sleepy is just as dangerous as driving** **drunk**?** ** Not only do car accidents pose a serious threat for people with chronic sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, but *anyone* who gets behind a wheel with less than optimal rest could be putting themselves in danger. With a majority of the population admitting to driving while exhausted, that threat of drowsy driving is real. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/driving-drowsy-vs-driving-drunk) Topics: [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits), [Job-Related Sleep Disorders](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) ## [10 of the Biggest Myths About Sleep](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/10-of-the-biggest-myths-about-sleep) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Mar 9, 2016 9:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/Website_Redesign_Photos/JUDY_SESSION_1_JPG-61_website.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/10-of-the-biggest-myths-about-sleep) # 1. The older you get, the fewer hours of sleep you need. Sleep experts recommend a range of seven to nine hours of sleep for the average adult. While sleep patterns change as we age, the amount of sleep we need generally does not. Older people may wake more frequently through the night and may actually get less nighttime sleep, but their sleep need is no less than younger adults. Because they may sleep less during the night, older people tend to sleep more during the day. Naps planned as part of a regular daily routine can be useful in promoting wakefulness after the person awakens. Learn more about recommended sleep duration guidelines by age group [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleep-duration-guidelines). [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/10-of-the-biggest-myths-about-sleep) Topics: [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits), [Sleep and Society](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) ## [10 of the Most Important Things You Need to Know About Sleep](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/10-of-the-most-important-things-you-need-to-know-about-sleep) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Mar 7, 2016 8:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/how_much_sleep_do_you_need.png) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/10-of-the-most-important-things-you-need-to-know-about-sleep) The National Sleep Foundation is celebrating its annual Sleep Awareness Week © March 6th through March 13th, to raise awareness of the health benefits of sleep and its importance to safety and productivity. We've compiled a list of ten of the most important things you should know about sleep. Learn more and spread awareness about sleep health with your family, friends and colleagues. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/10-of-the-most-important-things-you-need-to-know-about-sleep) Topics: [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits), [Sleep and Society](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) [All posts](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/all) [Next](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits/page/2) ## Share this blog post: [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Fgood-sleep-habits%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Fgood-sleep-habits%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Fgood-sleep-habits%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Fgood-sleep-habits%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Sleep%20Better%2C%20Live%20Better%20Blog%20%7C%20Good%20Sleep%20Habits) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Fgood-sleep-habits%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Fgood-sleep-habits%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Fgood-sleep-habits%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search our blog Search ### Posts by Topic - [Children and Sleep (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/children-and-sleep) - [Coffee (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/coffee) - [CPAP Alternatives (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-alternatives) - [CPAP Supplies (9)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) - [CPAP Treatment (25)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) - [Diabetes (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [Doctor's Opinion (4)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion) - [Economics of Sleep Medicine (15)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/economics-of-sleep-medicine) - [Good Sleep Habits (59)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) - [Health Insurance (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Heart Disease (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/heart-disease) - [Insomnia (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/insomnia) - [Job-Related Sleep Disorders (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) - [Kids and Sleep (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/kids-and-sleep) - [Narcolepsy (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/narcolepsy) - [Preparing for your sleep study (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-sleep-study) - [Sex and Sleep (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sex-and-sleep) - [Sleep and Exercise (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-exercise) - [Sleep and Society (41)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) - [Sleep Apnea (60)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea) - [Sleep Business (3)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-business) - [Sleep Disorders (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) - [Sleep Studies (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) - [Telemedicine (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/telemedicine) - [Treating Sleep Apnea (29)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea) - [Women and Sleep (14)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/women-and-sleep) ### Most viewed posts ### Recent Posts **Contact Us:** Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. Corporate Office 17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Encino, CA 91316 Phone (877) 775-3377 Fax (877) 855-6227  [info@sleepdr.com](mailto:info@sleepdr.com) ## **Top Links:** [Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/frequently-asked-questions)[Download Service Request Form (Rx) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/service_request_form)[Request medical records ](http://www.sleepdr.com/request-medical-records)[See a complete list of locations ](http://www.sleepdr.com/locations)[Schedule an appointment ](http://www.sleepdr.com/schedule)[Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleepbetterblog)[Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) **About Us:** Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health. With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. We strive to make all our interactions with patients, referring physicians, coworkers, and others courteous, caring and professional and we consider each interaction with our patients as an opportunity to live up to our commitment to the highest standards of patient care.  ### Subscribe to our blog: [![Twitter link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/twitter-865437-edited.png "Twitter link")](https://twitter.com/mysleepdr)[![Facebook link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/facebook-square-750598-edited.png "Facebook link")](https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedSleepMedicine)[![LinkedIn link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/linkedin-815276-edited.png "LinkedIn link")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-sleep-medicine-services-inc) ## Original photos by Francisco Crow [www.fc-images.net](http://www.fc-images.net) All rights reserved. Our administrative offices AND sleep centers will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.