Insomnia

Little known facts of insomnia:

• - Annual cost for treatment of insomnia estimated at $10.9 billion
• - Individuals sleeping fewer than six hours each night had a 70% higher mortality rate than those that slept seven or eight hours a night
• - 40% of insomniacs reported the use of either over-the-counter medications or alcohol in an inappropriate attempt to alleviate their sleep problems
• - The prevalence of insomnia may be 40% or higher for women over the age of 40
• - Over 60 million people suffer from frequent or chronic insomnia
• - At age of 16 to 50, men lose about 80% of their deep sleep.
• - 15% of elderly people stay in only in the stage 1 or light sleep.

[Source: the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research report to Congress, Wake up America: A National Sleep Alert]

When to see a doctor for insomnia:

The first step in tackling insomnia is to diagnose the problem. Contrary to popular belief, insomnia is not a stand-alone medical condition – it is a symptom of a medical condition. Studies show that 30%-50% of Americans have trouble sleeping, the cause of which ranging from acid reflux to stress. See your doctor at the onset of this problem to identify the core issue. There are many medical and behavioral treatments available that can help you get a better night’s sleep. Investigate your sleep problems with your doctor and find a treatment option that works best for your lifestyle and underlying condition.

The general rule of thumb for seeking medical attention, is when you suffer from the effects of insomnia or any other suspected sleep disorder, for four weeks or longer. You should also seek medical attention if your sleep problems begin to interfere with your daytime activities and ability to function normally. There are many treatments that can effectively treat your sleep problems and help you live a full and active lifestyle.

The information presented is for informational purposes only. Any consumer should consult their doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problems/questions and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.