A good night's rest can do wonders for your health
How much sleep do I need?
Research indicates that adults need an average of 8 to 8.5 hours of sleep per night, and children need an average of 9 to 10 hours of sleep per night.
What are the most common sleep disorders?
The most common sleep disorders include:
- Insomnia - Extreme difficulty maintaining a "normal" sleep cycle
- Sleep Apnea - Repeated interruptions in breathing caused by blockage in the airway. Snoring and severe daytime sleepiness result
- Restless Leg Syndrome - Tingling or other leg discomfort that requires movement of the limb to relieve the sensation
- Narcolepsy - Inability to stay awake
What are the consequences of too little sleep?
Scientists indicate that insufficient or restless sleep may increase the risk of:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
Lack of quality sleep can also impede daily activities, making it difficult to:
- Concentrate
- Learn
- Remember
- Control impulses and emotions
- React quickly
If three or more of the following statements describe you, you should discuss your symptoms with your physician.
- You snore when you sleep
- You gasp for breath or appear to stop breathing during sleep
- You behave irregularly or talk when you sleep
- You wake frequently due to pain, noise or other reasons
- You feel tired or have trouble staying awake during the day
- You find yourself nodding off while driving
- You collapse or feel extreme fatigue during emotional times
- You have the urge to tap or move your legs and feet during the day
- You have difficulty falling asleep
- You still feel tired when you wake up