Sleep is essential to heart, brain, and overall health. A Montefiore sleep specialist explains five key facts about sleep disorders, apnea, and better rest.
By Sarah T. Bjork, MD, Internal Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Critical Care Medicine Specialist, Montefiore Health System
Bronx Voice
Janury 9, 2026
NEW YORK - When was the last time you felt like you had a good night’s sleep?
One of my patients recently shared with me she couldn’t remember. For years, she thought she was tired because she often woke up three or four times each night to use the bathroom. When her cardiologist suggested she visit our sleep medicine clinic, a simple home sleep test showed the real problem: severe sleep apnea. This condition causes breathing to stop and start during sleep, leaving people exhausted. After just two nights using a CPAP machine, which helps keeps the airway open while sleeping, she told me she was “so happy” and finally getting “great sleep.”
Her story shows how treating sleep apnea can make a big difference—sometimes almost overnight.
Sleep is more than just rest—it’s one of the most important elements of staying healthy. A restful night’s sleep is as essential as eating well and exercising. Here are five things everyone should know about sleep health.
1. Sleep Is a Fundamental Aspect of Health
Sleep isn’t just about feeling rested when you wake up. It helps your brain, heart, and body work properly. When you sleep, your body repairs itself and your brain organizes memories.
On average, adults need about seven or so hours of sleep each night, but many people don’t get that. Poor sleep can be associated with serious problems like heart disease, diabetes, and depression. So, poor sleep isn’t harmless—it can impact your health and quality of life in the long-term. In fact, one study found that short sleep duration was associated with a 45% increased risk of coronary heart disease.
2. Sleep Disorders Are More Common than You Think
Many people have sleep disorders without realizing it. The most common conditions are sleep apnea (when normal breathing stops during sleep often with drops in oxygen levels leading to stress on the heart, lungs, and entire body), insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep), and restless legs syndrome (an irresistible urge to move at night due to uncomfortable sensations in the legs). Sleep disorders are also often connected. Signs of a sleep problem include loud snoring, feeling tired during the day, dozing off during the day, morning headaches, dry mouth, or trouble focusing. If you notice these symptoms, talk to your primary care doctor. Most patients who seek treatment finally get a good night’s sleep again.
3. Sleep Medicine Is a Real Specialty (and it’s growing!)
Did you know there are doctors who focus only on sleep? Sleep medicine is a growing field that studies how to diagnose and treat sleep problems. Specialists use tools like sleep studies (even at-home tests!), breathing machines (CPAP), and other therapies to help people sleep and feel better. Most major hospitals now have a sleep clinic, and some even offer virtual visits. If you think you have a sleep disorder, there are experts who can help. Our office at Montefiore Health System has rapidly grown and our sleep physicians are eager to help patients across the Bronx and beyond!
4. Technology Can Help—but Be Careful
Sleep trackers and apps are everywhere. They can give you clues about your sleep habits, but they aren’t perfect. You know your body best. Use technology as a guide, not a rule. If your device says you’re sleeping poorly but you feel fine, trust your body. If you feel like you’re sleeping poorly or have noticed morning headaches, daytime fatigue, catch yourself dozing off during the day or if someone tells you that you are snoring, it may be time to see a doctor.
5. Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
The best way to improve sleep is to build healthy sleep habits. If you can, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Don’t spend more time in your bed than you need to if you’re not asleep. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Ideally, avoid caffeine eight hours and screens one to two hours before bedtime. Even small changes can help you sleep better and feel more energized.
Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you think you have a sleep problem, don’t ignore it. Talk to a doctor and make sleep a priority. Give yourself the chance to sleep better. Your body and mind will thank you.
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