Better Sleep Series #6

You may be wondering why all the fuss about getting enough sleep. To anyone who's sleep deprived, the answers should be obvious. Your concentration is shot, your irritable, you fall asleep at work or watching TV or ... well, just about anywhere. If you don't start getting more sleep, these conditions will only worsen, and your immune system will become weak. What this means is you'll catch more colds and be susceptible to more serious diseases.

Results of Sleep Deprivation

Sure, you want to be the best at your job, but putting in long hours of overtime at the cost of your sleep and health is not the way to do it. In short, you might be working yourself to death. Two TV shows have demonstrated this, one an older show, and one more recent. An episode of the X-files demonstrated, although perhaps slightly exaggerated, what a person might become if forced to go without sleep for a long period of time. Another show, this one more recent, and of the reality show type, Shattered gave an example of what could happen when people are challenged to go without sleep to win a prize.

Asleep at the Wheel

Lack of sleep is causing one big problem, drivers falling asleep at the wheel. Do you believe it's not a big problem? According to a report from from Washington about one-half of America's adult drivers - 51 percent or approximately 100 million people - are on the roads feeling sleepy while they are driving. The National Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 crashes each year are the results of sleepy drivers. These crashes cause 1550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and $12.5 billion in property loss and diminished activity.

Causes of Sleep Deprivation

What causes all this sleep deprivation? There are many answers, several of which I addressed in previous articles in this series. Other causes - long hours of work, late night TV, social events including parties and concerts. Sleep disorders including sleep apnea and chronic insomnia keep many people awake. Even snoring can be a problem, for both the snorer and those who share his or her space. You can find others here: Causes of Sleep Deprivation

What to Do about Sleep Deprivation

How can we cut down on sleep deprivation? Well, first off, try to practice good sleep hygiene. Follow these tips on How to Improve Your Sleep. It's important to put your sleep and your health first. Don't jeopardize either for the sake of your job or social life. If you think you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, talk to your doctor.

Improve your life by getting the sleep you need. Everyone will benefit.

Resources:
Better Sleep Council
National Sleep Foundation
Natonal Traffic Safety Administration