Paul B. Hall Sleep Lab joins with the National Sleep Foundation during the promotion of NATIONAL SLEEP AWARENESS WEEK, March 1-7. According to a poll released by the NSF, one-third of Americans are losing sleep over the state of the U.S. economy and other personal financial concerns. The poll suggests that inadequate sleep is associated with unhealthy lifestyles and negatively impacts health and safety.
“It’s easy to understand why so many people are concerned over the economy and jobs, but sacrificing sleep is the wrong solution,” says David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation. “Sleep is essential for productivity and alertness and is a vital sign for one’s overall health.”
“Getting enough sleep everyday is as important to your health as eating healthy and being physically active. Physicians should regularly ask all patients about sleep, diet, and physical activity habits.” says Woodie Kessel, MD, MPH, Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS (ret.) who was a member of the Sleep in America™ poll taskforce. “Sleep is as vital as eating right and exercising to our health.”
Two out of every ten Americans sleep less than six hours a night. People sleeping too few hours report being too tired to work efficiently, to exercise or to eat healthy. Nearly 40% of these Americans sleeping too few hours have driven when drowsy at least once a month in the past year and nearly 90% report symptoms of insomnia at least a few nights a week in the past month.
“With the economy worsening, we are seeing patients in our clinic who have told us that they would not be returning for treatment because they or a family member have lost their jobs, and they are concerned about costs,” says Meir Kryger, MD, Director of Research and Education at Gaylord Sleep Services. “These patients may wind up far sicker. Sleep disorders are often associated with other chronic diseases, like diabetes and hypertension, and they can add complexity and even accelerate each other if untreated.”
Paul B. Hall Sleep Lab and the National Sleep Foundation encourages everyone to maintain good sleep, exercise and diet routines to help combat anxiety and improve health and productivity. People should speak with their doctor if they are experiencing sleep problems. For more information and a free "sleep kit" available during the month of March, call 606-789-2805.