Are you looking for information on a particular health concern?Sleep Disorders Lab (cont.)
Sleep Statistics
60 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, yet most go undiagnosed. Each year, the National Sleep Foundation conducts a national survey of adults in the United States called the "Sleep in America" poll. The results of last year's poll demonstrate that Americans of all ages are sleep deprived: on average, respondents are sleeping 6.9 hours on weekdays and 7.5 hours on weekends. A significant proportion (39%) of adults sleep less than seven hours on weeknights. Furthermore, 74% of adults who participated in the poll reported experiencing at least one symptom of a sleep disorder a few nights a week or more, a significant increase over previous years. These include symptoms of insomnia (58%), snoring (37%), restless legs (16%), and breathing pauses during sleep (9%).
Over one-third of Americans reported that they are so sleepy during the day that it interferes with their daily activities a few days a month or more. One-half of all American adult drivers, particularly young males, admit to driving drowsy in the past year, and almost one in five admit to falling asleep behind the wheel.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that each year drowsy driving is responsible for at least 100,000 automobile crashes; 71,000 injuries; 1,550 fatalities; and over 13 billion dollars in lost productivity and damages.
Sleepiness interferes with cognitive function leading to learning disabilities, memory impairment and personality changes. Excessive daytime sleepiness is particularly common among young adults, the elderly and shift workers, and is becoming increasingly recognized as the cause of academic underachievement in school-aged children. Adults with daytime sleepiness have a high incidence of automobile and occupational accidents and job loss.
If daytime sleepiness interferes with your daily routine or if you experience any of these sleep symptoms, the time to talk to your doctor is now. Treatment can change your life!
Other Sleep Web Sites
National Sleep Foundation
American Sleep Apnea Association
Narcolepsy Network
Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation
AAA Foundation (For traffic safety)
Journal of Sleep and Sleep Disorders
www.talkaboutsleep.com
Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine