Sleep: Issues
"There's a need to
look at sleep on the same level of importance as diet and
exercise. All three are
equally important for good health."
Carl Hunt, M.D., director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders
Research
In our hardworking, multi-tasking society, consistently getting a solid night's sleep can be a challenge. Most people will experience short-term insomnia (inability to fall asleep) from time to time. There are a variety of things that can disrupt, disturb or diminish one's sleep and sleep quality, ranging from stress (work, family, relationships) and noise to medication or alcohol use.
Understanding the importance of sleep and the factors that can both hurt and help one's ability to get a good night's sleep are critical. Consistent, quality sleep is vital to overall health and wellness. There is a considerable body of evidence that lack of sleep can affect and contribute to a variety of negative health consequences, from weight gain and heart risk to diabetes and depression.
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Sleep well: Tips for better sleep
Know what you can do to improve sleep quality. -
Sleep: Benefits, issues and problems
Not getting enough, or not sleeping well? You're not alone. -
Sleep disorders and problems
Insomnia, snoring, apnea, and help.
- Each year, around
40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders.
- Another 20 million-plus have occasional sleep problems.
- Most people need to get eight hours of sleep per night; more and more don't get close to that figure.
- While snoring is often considered harmless, it can be a sign or symptom of other health problems.
