Without adequate sleep, mental and physical health can suffer.
There are more than 100 million Americans of all ages
who are not getting adequate sleep. Inadequate sleep can have untoward
consequences on school and work performance, interpersonal relationships,
health, and safety.
How much sleep is necessary?
Experts generally recommend that adults sleep at least
7½ to 8 hours per night, although some people require more and some less.
A recent National Sleep Foundation Sleep in America
poll found that adults (age 18-54) sleep an average of 6.4 hours per night on
weekdays and 7.7 hours on weekends. The poll showed a downward trend in sleep
time over the past several years. People sleeping less often use the internet at
night or bring work home from the office. Sleep loss can lead to daytime
sleepiness that adversely affects performance.
The National Sleep Foundation also reported that older
adults (age 55-84) average 7 hours of sleep on weekdays and 7.1 hours on
weekends. Sleep is most often disturbed by the need to use the bathroom and
physical pain or discomfort in older adults.
A downward trend in sleep time has also been observed
in children. Optimal sleep time varies by age. An earlier Sleep in America poll
found a discrepancy between recommended and actual sleep time in children, with
actual sleep time 1.5 to 2 hours less than recommended. Caffeine consumption
caused a loss of 3 to 5 hours of sleep and having a television in the bedroom
contributed to a loss of 2 hours of sleep each week in children.
What happens when a person does not get enough sleep?
Not getting the proper amount or quality of sleep
leads to more than just feeling tired. Sleepiness interferes with cognitive
function, which can lead to learning disabilities in children, memory impairment
in people of all ages, personality changes, and depression.
People suffering from sleep deprivation experience
difficulty making decisions, irritability, problems with performance, and slower
reaction times, placing them at risk for automobile and work-related accidents.
Sleep loss can also adversely affect life by contributing to the development of
obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep or if you feel sleepy or unrefreshed
despite a seemingly adequate night of sleep, you may have a sleep disorder. There are over 80
disorders of sleep and wakefulness.
What are some tips for getting a good night's sleep?