Sleep Disorder - A Growing Concern in the United States



In the United States alone, it is estimated that approximately 60 - 80 million people have some form of sleep disorder. This number continues to rise. Several of the reasons for the increasing numbers are the aging of the American population, the change in our lifestyle and the obesity epidemic. Of course there are other factors that can lead to a sleep disorder, such as, stress, shift work, illness or genetics.

There are more than 100 different types of sleep disorders. They range in severity from minor to life threatening. People of any age, from infants to the aged, can be affected by a sleep disorder at any time of their lives.

As sleep disorders increase in the United States, so do the dangers that are associated with them.
Tiredness can lead to slower mental alertness and a slower reaction time. This can be a very dangerous combination. Between 20 - 25% of all serious vehicular accidents involve a tired driver. Many of these drivers suffer from some form of sleep disorder and may not even be aware of it. A large number of accidents that occur at home or at work are also due to people with some type of sleeping problem. Sleep disorder, combined with the cost of the accidents and illnesses it causes, results in the American people and the government spending billions of dollars.

Lack of sleep is directly related to many physical ailments and conditions. People that do not get sufficient sleep generally suffer more form headaches, sore joints and stomach problems. Often a sleep disorder is an underlying cause of heart problems, lung conditions and diabetes. Sleep disorders can also affect the mental well being of people stricken with them. Mood changes, anxiety, eating disorders and depression can result.

Many people still do not think of a sleeping problem as a medical problem. Because of this, many never tell their physician that they are having a problem with sleep. Even if they see their doctor on a regular basis for an illness or condition, they never mention their difficulty sleeping.

As the American public and medical community become more educated and aware of the symptoms, effects and severity of various sleep disorders, more and more cases are being diagnosed. Sufferers are being treated with medication, oxygen, cpap machines and even surgery. There are better screening methods and diagnostic tests which find sleep disorder problems earlier. Overnight sleep centers no longer resemble a hospital room. They are now designed to look more like a hotel room, to make the patient feel more comfortable. In some cases, due to computerization and miniaturization, equipment can be so small that some testing can even be done at home.

Sleep is not an option or a luxury. It is a basic element of living and of good health. If you think you, your partner or your child may be suffering from a sleep disorder see your physician. A sleep disorder is a medical problem that can be helped.




Comments

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Menu


My Articles

Sleep Disorder And Teenagers
Insomnia - The Most Prevalent Form Of Sleep Disorder
Children With The Sleep Disorder Of Sleepwalking
Muscle Pain And Sleeplessness
Illnesses That Can Cause A Sleep Disorder
What To Expect At A Sleep Disorder Overnight Sleep Center
Insomnia
Sleep Disorder - A Growing Concern In The United States
Narcolepsy - A Rare Sleep Disorder
Fatal Familial Insomnia
An Alternative Approach For Overcoming A Sleep Disorder
Sleep Apnea - A Sleep Disorder That Can Be Fatal
Nightmares And Night Terrors - A Frightening Sleep Disorder
Nocturnal Eating Syndrome - A Food Related Sleep Disorder
Sleep Apnea: A Weighty Issue
Medications Used For The Sleep Disorder Of Chronic Insomnia
Jet Lag Syndrome
Insomnia In Popular Culture
Sleeping Disorders: The History
Shift Work Sleep Disorder
How To Tell If You Have A Sleep Disorder
Narcolepsy: The Sleeping Disease
Sleep Disorder Affecting Shift Workers
Hypersomnia (oversleeping)






My Articles


Sleep Disorder And Teenagers There is a sleep disorder that affects between seven to ten percent of..


Fatal Familial Insomnia This is probably by far one of the rarest forms of sleeping..


Children With The Sleep Disorder Of Sleepwalking The sleep disorder of sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, affects..



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
No item elements found in rss feed.