THE UNDECLARED EPIDEMIC

There is an epidemic that continues to go undeclared in America: Sleep Deprivation. About one in five adults fail to get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation occurs when and individual fails to get enough sleep. The amount of sleep that a person needs varies from one person to another, but on average most adults need about seven to eight hours of sleep each night to feel alert and well rested. Teens need nine hours of nightly sleep or more, depending on their age. here are some causes of sleep deprivation:

Voluntary behavior - people engage in voluntary, but unintentional, chronic sleep deprivation are classified as having a sleep disorder called behaviorally induced insufficient sleep syndrome. This is type of hypersomnia. It involves a pattern of restricted sleep that is present almost daily for at least three months.

Personal obligations - sleep deprivation can occur when personal obligations restrict sleep time. For example, a person my lose sleep whole providing home care for a relative with a chronic illness.

Work hours - the work hours required by some occupations can produce sleep deprivation.

Medical problems - sleep deprivation may be a symptom of an ongoing sleep disorder or other medical condition that disturbs sleep.

In the next installment about this epidemic risk groups, effects, performance and health issues will be discussed. In the third installment the coping strategies will be reviewed and in the fourth and final installment well take a look at twelve simple tips to improve sleep.

When my clients reveal they are suffering from sleep deprivation I investigate the lifestyle of my young urban professionals. What is revealed is their habit of look at screens that emit blue light (i.e., cell phones, iPads and other mini-tablets. Research has shown looking into these screens right before bed will delay your sleep. Turn off the devices at least one half hour before turning in. One other things, the bedroom, sleep chamber or whatever name you give it should for what I called the S&S of a healthy life. SLEEP AND SEX ONLY. If your doing others things in your bed other than S&S your tell your body this is an activity room and not the bedroom. Finally, and this is going to hurt some, TAKE THE TELEVISION OUT OF THE BEDROOM! This is the great bedroom sin. Yes, watching tv until you fall asleep interferes with the quality of your sleep.

Until next time, be well and be blessed.

Dr. Ralph