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Sleep Disorders May Heighten Risk Of Aquiring Coronavirus

internalmedicine.med.uky.edu

Health professionals’ suggestions for people who contract coronavirus include taking acetaminophen and get plenty of fluids and rest.  How does a sleep disorder affect people who contract the disease?  

Martha Rosenthal is a nurse practitioner in the University of Kentucky Good Samaritan Sleep Disorder Center.  Rosenthal said a lack of sleep may heighten the risk for getting COVID-19. “We do know that sleep deprivation can lower your immune system.  So, with this evidence it’s possible that someone who is chronically or long term sleep deprived, they may be more at risk or slightly more at risk of contracting the virus,” said Rosenthal.

Under the “Healthy at Home” strategy, Rosenthal said that may lead to staying up later.  The nurse practitioner says it’s important to stay with a consistent sleep timeline.  Rosenthal advises to avoid cell phones or TV right before bed and instead reading a book to wind down. 

Here's Weku's Stu Johnson and nurse practitioner Martha Rosenthal:

4marthasleep.mp3

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