Expecting Refreshing Sleep?
... it is not just about how much you sleep, but really how well you sleep.
We should spend approximately one third of our lives sleeping quietly in a comfortable
bed. Diet and exercise have occupied the consciousness of health professionals to
an increasing degree for many years. Sleep has only recently received the attention it deserves.
Nearly 44 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, with an additional
35 million reporting occasional problems. This means that approximately one out
of five individuals may need help to enjoy a
refreshing
night
sleep on a regular basis and to avoid the direct consequences of sleep disorders.
A few more facts
- Physicians have described more than 70 sleep disorders, most of which can be managed
effectively once they are correctly diagnosed.
- Prolonged sleep deprivation results in severe symptoms that interfere with work,
social activities and sexual performance.
- Driver fatigue is responsible for an estimated 100,000 motor vehicle accidents and
1,500 deaths each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Recent publications suggest that
More on Effects and Epidemiology of Sleep Disorders >>
Research has shown a strong link between Sleep Disorders and many serious medical
conditions and chronic diseases including
- Hypertension
- Stroke/TIA
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Depression
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Type 2 Diabetes
- and an overall decreased Quality of Life
Many of these conditions contribute to long-term
disability and death. Early intervention and treatment of sleep disorders can significantly
reduce the risk of developing these diseases.
More on the Link between Sleep Disorders and Chronic Diseases >>
Effects of Sleep Disorders on Children
Young children suffering from Sleep Disorders are characterized as chronically sleepy,
academic underachievers. Sleep disordered breathing affect up to 11% of school
aged children. Recent research shows that untreated sleep disorders in children
can lead to impaired working memory, reduced levels of wakefulness
and symptoms much like that of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
More about Sleep Disorders in Children >>