Facts About Insomnia

Insomnia is characterized by the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. The condition may also be present among individuals who consistently wake up several hours early and can't fall back asleep.

Generally, insomnia is categorized into one of three areas by the medical community. Transient insomnia lasts less than a week; short-term insomniais one to three weeks in duration; and chronic insomnia persists for a a month or longer.

In our 24/7 world, there just doesn't seem to be time for adequate sleep and rejuvenation. Yet, data shows that the health risks and financial costs of insomnia are too high to ignore. Here are some facts about insomnia:

Insomnia’s Impact on Individuals

• One in three people have experienced insomnia sometime during their life. The condition affects people of all ages from children to seniors, though studies indicate 40% to 60% of people over 60 suffer from insomnia. In addition, the condition is twice as likely to occur in women than men.

• People with chronic cases of insomnia have a significantly higher risk of having serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression.

• People with insomnia have a better than average probability of falling victim to addictions such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and smoking. Moreover, studies have shown a propensity for insomnia among individuals who attempt suicide.

• Sleeplessness is responsible for nearly 100,000 traffic accidents a year. These accidents also leave 1,550 people dead and 71,000 injured every year - and these are only using US figures.

• Sleep deprivation costs U.S. companies nearly $150 billion in absenteeism and reduced productivity.

• Sleep loss has a major effect on judgment and decision-making processes at work, particularly ones that require both emotional and mental ability.

• Insomnia is responsible for nearly $14 billion in direct healthcare costs each year.

• Employers spend approximately $3,200 more in healthcare costs on those with insomnia than on those who sleep well.

Whether you only suffer from the occasional sleepless night or have struggled for years with insomnia, it's important to address this problem before it affects your health. Therefore, talk with your healthcare provider about addressing ways to get the sleep you need for optimal health and happiness.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Sleep Foundation, Better Sleep Council, National Commission on Sleep Disorders, Sleep Journal, and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

Related Information

Share Your Comments