Sleep Basics

Proper Sleep is Part of a Healthy Lifestyle

Sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, an estimated 70 million people have trouble sleeping. When trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you probably try to exercise and eat a healthy diet, but what about getting a good night’s sleep? Adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, but most average only 6.9 hours of sleep.

Sleeping well or not sleeping well can affect every aspect of your life, from your job and relationships, to your mood, health and safety. Did you know that 40 million adults suffer from a chronic sleep disorder? Sleep disorders are conditions that prevent restful sleep and result in fatigue, daytime sleepiness and dysfunction.

 If you feel fatigued and tired after a night of sleep, you may suffer from a sleep disorder. Adults who suffer from sleep disorders usually don’t have trouble falling asleep; they simply don’t get enough restful sleep.

According to a 2005 National Sleep Foundation Sleep in America Poll:

• Roughly 75 percent of adults say they experienced a symptom of a sleep problem a few nights a week or more in the past year.
• Sleep-related issues are cited as the most common reason people are late for work.
• Sixty percent of adults licensed to drive say they have driven drowsy in the past year.