FACTS ABOUT SLEEP
– Over 100 million Americans regularly fail to get a good night’s sleep
– Over 20% of the population suffers from significant sleep disorders
– 40% of adults in America report that they are so sleepy during the day that it interferes with their daily activities.
– Thousands of accidents occur each year due to drivers falling asleep behind the wheel
– Many married couples or partners have to sleep separately due to their partners excessive snoring
– Many peoples depression can be attributed to the lack of good nights sleep
-A great majority of adults think their sleep related problems are not serious enough to seek the services of a sleep specialist.
TYPES OF DISORDERS
There are over 80 sleep disorders that affect people. Some of these disorders, if left untreated, can pose devastating and potentially life threatening risks to one’s life. The most common types of sleep disorders include:
–SNORING
Snoring affects 45% of normal adults and deprives the snorer of appropriate rest
–SLEEP APNEA
Sleep apnea consists of lapses in breathing, and those with a severe case of sleep apnea may cease breathing hundreds of times during sleep. The symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, loss of energy, morning headaches, snoring and lack of concentration.
–INSOMNIA
Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. In its chronic form, Insomnia can last for weeks, months, or even years.
–NARCOLEPSY
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder, the symptoms of which include sleepiness, falling asleep at inappropriate times and sudden loss of muscle function.
RISKS AND POTENTIAL DANGERS
Some of the results of untreated sleep disorders include:
-Fatigue
-Decreased quality of life
-Depression
-Sexual dysfunction
-Hypertension
-Reduced attention, concentration, and memory
-Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents or related injuries
-Increased risk of stroke
-Increased risk of Coronary Artery Disease
-Increased risk of Congestive Heart Failure