Serenity Sleep Lab
Your Clear Path To Restful Sleep
Diagnose Sleep Disorders
Sleep studies are performed to determine what is causing your sleep issues.
Treat Sleep Disorders
The goals of treatment with CPAP are to improve health and overall well-being.
Serenity Sleep Lab
Your Clear Path To Restful Sleep
Diagnose Sleep Disorders
Sleep studies are performed to determine what is causing your sleep issues.
Treat Sleep Disorders
The goals of treatment with CPAP are to improve health and overall well-being.
How we can help you
By evaluating sleep patterns in our safe, comfortable and homelike sleep lab, we are able to collect valuable data to appropriately diagnose and treat sleep disorders. We are dedicated to helping you improve the quality of your sleep, energy levels, and overall well-being.If you or someone you know suffers from a sleep disorder, contact a Sleep Disorder Specialist in your area today.Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Can Be Life-Threatening. IT MAY COME as a surprise to some but loud snoring can suggest that your heart is at risk. “Obstructive sleep apnea is a dangerous disease that can severely damage your heart if left untreated,” says Dr. Varquez.
How we can help you
By evaluating sleep patterns in our safe, comfortable and homelike sleep lab, we are able to collect valuable data to appropriately diagnose and treat sleep disorders. We are dedicated to helping you improve the quality of your sleep, energy levels, and overall well-being.If you or someone you know suffers from a sleep disorder, contact a Sleep Disorder Specialist in your area today.Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Can Be Life-Threatening. IT MAY COME as a surprise to some but loud snoring can suggest that your heart is at risk. “Obstructive sleep apnea is a dangerous disease that can severely damage your heart if left untreated,” says Dr. Varquez.
The Importance of Sleep
Healthy Brain Function
Sleep helps your brain work properly. While you’re sleeping, your brain is preparing for the next day. It’s forming new pathways to help you learn and remember information.
Physical Health
Sleep plays an important role in your physical health. For example, sleep is involved in healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. Ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.
Daytime Performance & Safety
Getting enough quality sleep at the right times helps you function well throughout the day. People who are sleep deficient are less productive at work and school. They take longer to finish tasks, have a slower reaction time, and make more mistakes..
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What is Central Sleep Apnea? Healthy vs. Disrupted Breathing CSA is a serious condition in which a person stops breathing during sleep.During healthy sleep, the brain controls breathing by sending the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. For…

SLEEP AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
The Immune System can be greatly affected by the amount of Sleep and the quality of sleep you get on a regular basis.
When you have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, it does a lot more than cause fatigue due to a lack of quality of sleep. Because, when you lack the right amount of sleep, your immune system is also impacted in a number of ways, such as slowing down your immune system.
Poor Sleep Inhibits T Cells
Your T cells are part of your immune system. These cells specifically fight off viral pathogens, from the regular flu to cancer. But, without enough sleep, your body’s T cells become inhibited by higher levels of stress hormones—specifically, noradrenaline and adrenaline—which makes your overall immune system less effective. However, the effects don’t have to be permanent. In a 2019 study, researchers found that during our sleep, the impact of stress hormones are naturally lower. During this lowered time, your T cells are better at attacking and destroying viruses. So, if you are feeling sick, getting rest and proper sleep can be the best thing you can do to get better quicker.
Lack Of Sleep Impedes Cytokines Production
T cells aren’t the only part of your immune system that relies on a good night’s sleep. Your body produces a specific protein called cytokines. The cytokines target inflammation and infection, aiming to eliminate both.
However, if you aren’t getting enough sleep, your body can’t produce as many cytokines proteins to protect you. Even if you get the flu vaccine, it will be less effective without enough sleep and cytokines to help protect you.
So, how do you go about getting more sleep for an improved immune system?
Here are some important tips to share:
- Only take short naps – It can be tempting to take a nap when you are feeling low on energy. The problem with naps is that it can be easy to take one that is too long. If you need to nap, it needs to be 20 minutes long or less, and it is best if you don’t nap after 3 pm.
- Get tested for sleep apnea- If you suspect that sleep apnea may be the source of your sleep issues, don’t wait to commit to a sleep study. We offer overnight studies in a comfortable home-like environment at Serenity Sleep Lab in Cullman, Alabama. Dr. Mir Varquez is board-certified and has 30 years of experience as a cardiologist and sleep specialist.
- Initiate new sleep routines – Training your body can play a significant part in getting better sleep. For instance, you should stick to routine wake up and bedtimes to help your body get into a natural rhythm.
- It is also a good idea to limit caffeine intake and alcohol consumption, as caffeine can keep you up, and alcohol can prevent REM sleep.
- Exercise regularly – Regular exercise helps support your immune system, as it provides a positive stressor for your body while allowing for a healthy release of pent-up energy. Exercising regularly also helps your body embrace a natural sleep cycle.
- Use your CPAP machine If you have been previously diagnosed with (OSA) sleep apnea. It is important that you use your equipment to ensure you get a restful night’s sleep and keep you safe.
- Ask a sleep specialist such as Dr. Mir Varquez about various treatments and what may be appropriate for you. Treatments may include CPAP or APAP, which can help keep your airway open as you sleep restfully.
If you suspect a chronic sleep disorder please contact a sleep specialist in your area. If you live in the Cullman, Alabama area do not hesitate to contact us.
*Original article copyrighted and published by apneamd-republished and shared for informational purposes only.

Having Sleep Disorders Is A Condition That Changes The Way You Sleep Sleep disorders affect your overall health and quality of life. Sleep deprivation can affect your ability to drive safely and increase your risk of other health problems such…