Insufficient sleep is a major issue that affects numerous Americans throughout the United States; however, until recently, no one knew just how big the problem had grown.
After reviewing several national surveys, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called inadequate sleep a public health epidemic. In fact, according to the CDC, approximately 38 percent of all U.S. citizens unintentionally fall asleep a minimum of once per month, while nearly half suffer from snoring.
Serious Consequences
Lack of sleep doesn’t just make us tired; it can lead to all sorts of dangerous consequences. The National Center on Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institutes of Health estimates that, of the 70 million Americans who suffer from sleep problems, 1,500 will die or become maimed when they fall asleep at the wheel.
Insufficient sleep can prove deadly in other ways. Countless studies have linked it to a host of health problems, from dementia to diabetes to cardiovascular disease and more.
When to Reach Out
When people begin to understand the value of sleep, many choose to make fundamental lifestyle changes that relieve their insomnia and frequent waking throughout the night. This may mean abstaining from caffeinated beverages, adopting a regular sleep schedule or avoiding television within two to three hours of bedtime.
Unfortunately, some people cannot solve their sleeping problems on their own. If you suffer from apnea, you need a proven treatment. Contact Dr. Berry online or call (303) 691-0267 to learn about oral appliance therapy: a quiet comfortable treatment that will relieve your sleep apnea symptoms.
