National Sleep Awareness week coincides with the change to Daylight Saving Time when the clocks "spring ahead" and we all lose a valuable hour of sleep.
Sponsored by National Sleep Foundation, in partnership with hundreds of government and medical groups and hundreds of concerned citizens, strives to teach young and old about sleep and how to get more of it.
The National Sleep Foundation suggests you use this week to:
- Raise awareness of the importance of adequate sleep to health and safety
- Raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of sleep disorders
- Enhance the visibility of your organization
- Focus attention on sleep-related issues such as drowsy driving and school start times.
Two days during this week are marked for special attention. Wednesday March 30 is designated as Insomnia Awareness Day. Insomnia is a widespread disorder said to trouble millions of people.
According to the National Sleep Foundation polls, nearly 6 out of l0 men and women — 126 million people — experience at least one symptom of insomnia a few nights a week. That's a startling number of sleep deprived citizens.
Insomnia comes in many forms, from very mild or only occasional bouts of sleeplessness to acute where the lack of sleep goes on night after night, week after week, and even year after year, leaving the victim dragged out, stressed and unable to function normally.
The second day, March 31, has been designated Sleep Apnea Awareness Day. Two leading sleep organizations join forces to get people to focus on this serious sleep disorder, the National Sleep foundation and the American Sleep Apnea Association.
Edward Grandi, ASAA’s executive director, says that probably 18 million people suffer from this life threatening disorder. Unfortunately, many are not aware of the problem, or of its dangers. Nor do they know that it is treatable.
I urge medical personnel, communities and private citizens get involved in National Sleep Awareness week. Tell others about it. If you suspect anyone may be suffering from a sleep disorder, encourage them to get help. Let them know that, in almost all cases, treatment is available.
Stress the dangers of sleep deprivation, including falling asleep at the wheel that takes so many lives every year and costs so much in personal and property damage.
Sleep isn't just the concern of doctors or those who suffer from sleep loss. It can affect all of us, families, friends, communities. Join the campaign and help control the problem.
