Facts You Should Know About Sleep

Why Do I Need Sleep? While you are sleeping, your body's systems renew and flourish. Your red blood cells are replenished, your senses are refreshed. Sleep affects your energy level, as well as your health. Sleep also helps bolster your immune system so you can fight off diseases. It improves your alertness and concentration too, which affects your safety. How Much Sleep Do I Need? Individual sleep needs vary, with 8 hours being about the average for Americans. However, some people do fine on 4-5 hours sleep, while others require as much as 10 hours of sleep nightly to function at their best. The need for sleep does not diminish with age, only the ability to get it. How Can I Tell if I Lack Sleep? You may need more sleep if you have one or more of the following symptoms: You struggle to get out of bed in the morning, fall asleep while watching TV or a movie, nod off at work or in meetings, feel irritable or stressed out during the week, and/or find it hard to concentrate. Workaholics and new parents are among the most sleep-deprived. What are Some Causes of Poor Sleep? Some things that commonly interfere with sleep are: Chronic pain, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, depression or anxiety, snoring or a partner's snoring, restless leg syndrome, bed wetting, frequent waking to urinate, and sleep apnea. Smoking and drugs can also interfere with sleep.	Are You Getting Enough Sleep? Do you easily fall asleep at inappropriate times (e.g., on the bus, at your desk, in the movies, just before dinner)? Yes No Do you often feel fatigued or depressed? Yes No Do you lack the energy for activities that you once enjoyed? Yes No Do you routinely take more than half an hour to fall asleep? Yes No Do you snore or kick a lot while sleeping? Yes No Do you wake frequently during the night? Yes No If you answered YES to one or more of these questions above, click here. If you still do not get the sleep you need, make an appointment to discuss your sleep problem with your doctor.
What are the Dangers of Sleep Disorders? Sleep apnea causes blood oxygen levels to fall, straining the heart and leading to high blood pressure and heart conditions. Chronic insomnia can increase depression and anxiety, reduce your energy level, and lower immunity, leading to increased illnesses. Lack of sleep results in a 25% loss in workplace productivity and causes 100,000 traffic accidents per year. Click here for tips on how to avoid drowsiness while driving.
Facts to Know About Sleep Apnea An estimated 17 million Americans have sleep apnea; many are unaware of the condition. Sleep apnea is characterized by brief interruptions of breathing caused by obstruction of airflow to the lungs. This can take place hundreds of times nightly. The result of this disrupted sleep is daytime fatigue, memory lapses, and irritability. Untreated, the condition lowers the blood oxygen levels which strains the cardiovascular system, leading to high blood pressure, increased risk for stroke, and some heart conditions. Treatments and lifestyle changes can help. If you or someone you know has possible signs of sleep apnea, consult a doctor.
How are Sleep Disorders Diagnosed & Treated? To find out if you suffer from a serious sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy (sudden dozing off during the day), tests must be performed while you sleep. These tests, in which physiological measurements are correlated to your body movements, are usually performed in a sleep center. Treatments include surgical procedures, prescription medicines, and lifestyle counseling. When Should I Seek Medical Help? Sleeplessness can be a temporary problem, remedied by one or more lifestyle changes. However, when lack of sleep begins to cause safety or health problems in your daily life, seeking medical advice is wise. Most sleep disorders can be treated and cured. For more information click here: Tips For a Better Night's Sleep. For more information on sleep disorders: National Center on Sleep Disorders Research