Why should most individuals care about not getting enough sleep?
Chronic sleep loss has been associated with adverse outcomes including difficulties with memory, a wide range of medical problems, poor performance in school and work and an increased risk for motor vehicle accidents. Almost 20% of all serious car crash injuries in the general population are associated with driver sleepiness, which is more common than accidents caused by alcohol. Several studies have also associated long term chronic sleep loss (less than 6 hours per night on a regular basis) with an increased risk for obesity, hypertension, diabetes and death. The reasons why longterm short sleep times may cause these medical problems are unknown. Q: Why do most sleep disorders remain underdiagnosed? A: One of the major reasons is that while we are beginning to turn the corner, most practicing physicians and other health care providers still do not receive adequate education on sleep problems during their training. Also, many patients who have suffered with chronic sleep problems don’
