When it comes to the facts about insomnia, I think the information on this page might surprise you the same way that it surprised me!
Like most of us, I've noticed how tired people seem to be these days. Always on the run, and practically inhaling caffeine or energy drinks so that they can work (or play!) harder, and for longer.
In fact, I tend to be one of those people, always trying to fit a 30 hour day into the 24 hours God gave me!
Sadly, our bodies (including mine) are going to pay the price for this behavior eventually, and so is our society in general.
It seems that insomnia and other sleep disorders are beginning to reach epidemic proportions in many industrialized countries. Here in the United States, insomnia is the most common, and publicly recognized, sleep disorder and it affects a staggering number of us - over 30 million people in fact.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, people today are sleeping less than they did 100 years ago. 20% less in fact. In our 24/7 society there just doesn't seem to be time for sleep, but studies are also showing that the cost of insomnia is too high to ignore.
The following facts about insomnia may well surprise you....
A study published in 1999 indicated that the direct cost of insomnia to the US economy was just under $14 BILLION. That only includes things like sleep medications and healthcare costs. What kind of frightening figures could we be looking at today?
The indirect costs are also huge. Recent studies show that sleep deprivation costs US companies almost $150 BILLION dollars in absenteeism and reduced productivity. According to the National Sleep Foundation, drowsy drivers are responsible for around 100,000 accidents a year and cause up to $12.5 BILLION worth of property damage.
Despite these figures being so enormous, they pale in comparison to the personal price we pay for our sleeplessness. Those same auto accidents also leave 1,550 people dead and 71,000 injured every year - and these are only using US figures.
Although less dramatic, the individual cost of untreated insomnia is frightening. These facts about insomnia show that it results in an increased rate of aging, and some very serious health conditions, and the truth of the matter is - chronic insomnia can kill you, albeit indirectly.
Did you know?
Here are some more statistics and facts about insomnia. Some of them are interesting, some surprising, but as 'knowledge is power', I hope they will give you the power you need to find the answers to your own sleep problems.
1 in 3 people will suffer from some form of insomnia during their lifetime.
Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from insomnia. Pregnancy and menopause fatigue are pretty common.
Insomnia doesn't just affect young to middle-aged adults. Insomnia in children, teens and the elderly is also often seen.
Between 40% and 60% of people over 60 suffer from insomnia
One of the scary facts about insomnia is that chronic insomniacs have a significantly higher risk of certain medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. Some of these can prove fatal
People with insomnia have an above average chance of falling victim to addictions such as alcoholism, drug abuse and smoking.
More worrying facts about insomnia include the results of research studies which indicate that insomnia plays a significant role in many attempted suicides
(Visit my Insomnia Statistics page for more figures and facts about insomnia that might surprise you!)
You can also learn more about insomnia in this FREE report -
These facts about insomnia are worrying to say the least, and they clearly show that it's a widespread problem which can have very serious consequences if not dealt with.
I don't know about you, but I don't want my body to wear itself out before it's time!
Whether you only suffer from the occasional sleepless night, or have struggled for years with chronic sleeplessness, it's very important to address this problem, before it affects your health... and your whole life.
For occasional sleepless nights, a gentle, natural sleep aid can help you fall asleep quickly and naturally - without the nasty side effects that some prescription or OTC sleep aids can cause.
A product that is contains Melatonin and other natural/herbal ingredients that's definitely worth a try is Melatrol. It's a gentle but effective way of increasing the levels of Melatonin in your body, and relaxing yourself to sleep....
Remember - it's important to recognize and treat both the reasons behind your sleep issues, and the symptoms it produces in order to reclaim that 'better life' that we keep talking about!
Health Issues And Tips Designed as educational Information, to help solve health Issues, with tips on Exercise, Weight Loss, Addictions, SleepDis-orders, Depression and much more.
Best Books About Insomnia
When it comes to dealing with insomnia, the old saying 'knowledge is power' is very true.
Getting back to a good nights' sleep will be simpler, when you know more facts about insomnia, and how to beat this annoying condition.
Here are a few of the best books on the market to help point you in the right direction...
No More Sleepless Nights Written by Dr . Peter Hauri, former Director of the Mayo Clinic's insomnia program, and one of the worlds' leading authorities on insomnia. This comprehensive, but easy to read, book is one of the ones on my nightstand. Dr Hauri gives you a detailed guide to help you recognize, understand and overcome the obstacles that are preventing you from getting a good nights' sleep.
There's lots of information on issues that can cause insomnia such as illness/pain, diet, strong emotions, medications, shift work, jetlag and much more.
With a Glossary of the most commonly used terms and a state-by-state list of Sleep Laboratories and Sleep Disorder Centers across the US, this book has everything you need to know.
Highly recommended.
Say Good Night to Insomnia: The Six-Week, Drug-Free Program Developed At Harvard Medical School If you want to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep, this book might be 'just what the doctor ordered'!
Authored by Dr. Gregg Jacobs, a professor at Harvard Medical School and founder of the Behavioral Medicine Insomnia Program, this self-help book focuses on overcoming insomnia without the use of sleeping pills or other medications.
Dr Jacobs encourages good sleep hygiene, improving sleep habits, keeping a sleep diary, and using methods such as relaxation and positive thinking.
A straightforward and useful book for anyone who is struggling with insomnia.
The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night's Sleep Written by Dr. Lawrence Epstein of Harvard Medical School, this book gives you his 6-Step Plan to getting a better nights' sleep.
He covers all kinds of sleeping disorders, and explains how to recognize each persons' individual problems and overcome them. Whether it's you, your child, teenager, husband or parents that are having difficulty sleeping, this very readable book has the answers you need.
Find out what causes sleep disorders, what steps you can take to reduce/eliminate them, and offers practical tips as well as in-depth information. This book has it all!
Insomniac Not your average self-help book, this book offers a rare insight into life as experienced by a chronic insomniac. If you struggle with sleep deprivation, this is bound to strike a chord.
Author Gayle Green has spent most of her life in the pursuit of a good nights' sleep, and has amassed more than a lifetimes worth of knowledge in the process.
This book is an in-depth look at sleep (and the lack of it), and it's personal approach and fascinating histories make it a riveting read.
If you're lying awake at night and want something to occupy the hours until dawn this fits the bill perfectly.