Sleep is an integral part of life, but it's not always a welcome or peaceful close to a busy day. Some people suffer almost unbearable torture as they toss and turn. Others find sleepiness an uncontrollable intruder. It's been estimated that 30 to 40 percent of the population suffers from a sleeping problem at some time in their lives.

Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each day - some need less than four, others more than 10. You know you're getting enough sleep when you feel refreshed when you awaken and alert throughout the day. But if you consistently have trouble sleeping when you normally sleep or are very sleepy while you're awake, you may need a professional evaluation to determine if you have a sleep disorder.

Do I need a sleep study? Answer these simple questions:

• Have you been told that you snore in a loud, disruptive fashion?
• Do you have difficulty falling and staying asleep?
• Do you sleepwalk?
• Do you ever awaken gasping for breath or unable to breathe?
• Do you ever awaken from sleep because of regurgitation or gagging on stomach contents, or a burning in the throat?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may be among those who have a sleeping problem and need to be evaluated at the Sleep Center at Mercy.

The Sleep Center at Mercy is a medical facility dedicated to diagnosing and treating patients with sleep-related problems and features 12, home-like rooms for conducting sleep evaluations.

The center is staffed by medical professionals who are experienced in helping patients with sleep-related disorders. Everyone who visits Mercy's sleep center will be seen by an American Board of Sleep Medicine-certified physician specializing in sleep disorders.

Please discuss your sleep-related problems with your physician so he or she can refer you to us for an evaluation.