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Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
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Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
"The magic of the electronic village is transforming health information. The mouse and keyboard have extended the stethoscope to the 500 million people now online." - Dr. Edward Creagan
The power of the medium inspires Dr. Edward Creagan as he searches for ways to share Mayo Clinic's vast resources with the general public.
Dr. Creagan, a Newark, N.J., native, is board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hospice medicine and palliative care. He has been with Mayo Clinic since 1973 and in 1999 was president of the staff of Mayo Clinic. Dr. Creagan, a professor of medical oncology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, was honored in 1995 with the John and Roma Rouse Professor of Humanism in Medicine Award and in 1992 with the Distinguished Mayo Clinician Award, Mayo's highest recognition. He has been recognized with the American Cancer Society Professorship of Clinical Oncology.
He describes his areas of special interest as "wellness as a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-financial model" and fitness, mind-body connection, aging and burnout.
Dr. Creagan has been an associate medical editor with Mayo Clinic's Web sites and has edited publications and CD-ROMs and reviewed articles.
"We the team of (the Web site) provide reliable, easy-to-understand health and wellness information so that each of us can have productive, meaningful lives," he says.
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Stress blog
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May 23, 2009
Blog: Don't overlook sleep as a stress buster
By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
We here at MayoClinic.com are so appreciative of the insights and perspectives from the members of our blog community. The issues of sleep and taking care of ourselves really resonate with so many of us.
One wise counselor made the comment that each of us is hanging by a thin thread, and it does not take much for that thread to break. I am astonished that more of us do not have an overwhelming physical and spiritual meltdown in light of the pressures from society, the demands of caring for children and elderly parents, and now, economic worries.
I for one know the importance of a good night's sleep. Scientists have documented that when we are sleep-deprived our immune system suffers; our thinking and judgments are impaired; and our fuse becomes very, very short. Sleep deprivation impairs our reflexes, judgment and thinking — not unlike what happens with a blood alcohol level approaching intoxication.
One lesson that I have learned: When I anticipate some challenging times ahead or an increase in demands and expectations, I try to be fanatical about "sleep hygiene." So, what does this mean? To me it means:
- Getting enough sleep. For me that means 7 to 8 hours.
- Having a bedtime routine. This does not include watching the news or some crime show, which are not conducive to a good night's sleep for me.
- Clearing my mind. Finding a way to put the worries and concerns of the day aside.
- Feeling thankful. Thinking back on events of the day for which I am thankful. Regardless of our circumstances, each of us can find circumstances and especially people in our lives for whom we should be grateful.
What else would others add to this list? Please keep in mind that we are all pilgrims on this journey.
8 comments posted
July 17, 2009 10:23 a.m.
I find computers and news too stimulating, and may occasionally read something peaceful before bed. My room needs to be quiet without any lights, and I have to have clean air. Beyond that, the improved quality of my new mattress and contour pillow has dramatically improved my comfort at night and quality of sleep.
- Brian
June 8, 2009 9:37 p.m.
When I am trying to go to sleep, I use a technique that sounds like a combination of some of yours, Dr. Creagan. I try to think of things for which I can thank God--in alphabetical order, beginning with all my blessings that start with "A." Usually before I reach "Z," I have fallen asleep.
- Marilyn Newman
June 5, 2009 11:47 a.m.
I have some questions - is there a point where you're getting too much sleep? Is "feeling rested" a good measure? If your sleep patterns are disrupted how do you figure out if you need to get up and get moving or get more sleep?
- Susan
May 28, 2009 3:46 a.m.
Thanks Dr. Creagan for the tips. Routines are important for us workaholics. I had to add your comments to my research page on my Trisoma site. I also recommend Buteyko for sleep apnea patients.
- Paul
May 28, 2009 2:30 a.m.
Wow, here it is almost 2:30 in the morning and I find this article about not being able to sleep. I have had two sleep studies done and the Doctor said that he feels sorry for me cause he said I got a total of 20 minutes of real sleep from the whole night. I have SLIGHT sleep apnea but not enough to warrant a CPAP machine. I take prescribed sleep aids but they wear off in the middle of the night and because I have had gastric bypass surgery I cant take any kind of time released medications. The Doctor said that he had no idea of what to do for me and sent me on my way. Im exhausted during the day, have no energy and am really frustrated. I have had this problem for years and tried so many different medications and the only one that does help is ambien but it wears off in the middle of the night. I am beyound being frustrated at this point!! I am 46 years old. Yes, lots of stress in my life. Just had 3 major surgeries within the last year and have two more to go. I just have to keep trying to stay positive but it is hard especially when your tired all the time. Thanks for listening!!
- Linda
May 27, 2009 4:05 p.m.
Please, please don't overlook the benefits of sleep studies for sleep apnea, and the CPAP machines that are often prescribed. I am 62, and have had sleep apnea for more years than I know. After having had my soft palate surgically removed 14 years ago, I still had the problem. In September of this year, I went to a board certified M.D. upon referral from my ENT, and what a change. I have always slept poorly, had problems falling asleep, chronic night time worry. No more. It is time and money well spent. I now sleep in bed instead of a chair, and sleep for at least 6 or 7 hours.
- bcw
May 27, 2009 6:06 a.m.
Hello Dr Creagan Despite advice to the contrary, I like to read before I sleep. It seems to clar my mind of the days' events, especially its frustrations. I think, though, that I may have to put aside the crime fiction I read (it is often so well written that I prefer it to other kinds of writing) as its strategies of suspense are not always restful. I do like your idea of thinking of things that can make me feel thankful. In our current world, we often focus on the negative rather than the positive. So, despite the lingering cool weather that has allowed the tulips a longer life, I will continue to look forward to warm winds and the pleasures of summer.
- Barbara M
May 26, 2009 6:31 p.m.
As a mother of four, and now a breast cancer survivor, I know how important a good night's sleep is for me, and so several years ago when the worries started getting high, I started listening to peaceful quiet music timed to end in an hour, and by the end of the CD I was well on my way to cloud nine. Try it!
- Meg
8 comments posted