Sleep Problems

Our world today suffers from many sleep related problems. "A recent survey of 1,014 Americans by the National Sleep Foundation, which wrapped up National Sleep Awareness Week on April 4 found that 40 % are so sleepy during the day they have difficulty carrying out their daily activities." (1) In 1990, the direct costs of sleep disorders and sleep deprivation were estimated to be $15.9 billion. (2) "About 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep problem; among them, nearly 60 % have a chronic disorder."(3) The National Sleep Foundation found that 53% of American women report insomnia and 31% say that sleep problems interfere with their daily activities (4).

This section will not only help to inform you about some of the many sleep difficulties, but will hopefully give you some tips and insights in improving your sleep. If you have sleep difficulties that are hampering your performance ability, please consult a physician for your personal health and safety and for the safety of those around you.

• Society has greatly been affected by problems related to sleep. Fatigue affects shift workers, transportation workers, travelers, students, and many others, and can result in devastating accidents.
• Insomnia not only causes fatigue, but also great distress.
• Sleep Disorders are experienced by many people. Some are more treatable than others.

(1) "Workplace: Shortage of ZZZZ's Could Slow Down Workplace." Human REsources Report. Vol 17 no. 13. Mondyay, April 5, 1999. ISSN 1523-2832. C. 1999 the Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., Washington, D.C.

(2) Maas, James B. Power Sleep: the revolutionary progam that prepares your mind for peak performance. New York: Villard, 1998. p. 11

(3) "Scope of the Problem" National Center on Sleep Disorders Research Information Pamphlet. February, 1994.

(4) Kiley, James. "Sleep in Review-1998." Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board, 10th Meeting, Bethesda, MD, March 17, 1999.