HHS HealthBeat (March 26, 2008)

Sleeping duty

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Dreaming of the day you can get a good night’s sleep?

So are 50 million to 70 million other Americans who suffer from the silent night epidemic known as lack of sleep. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates the percentage of adults who average six hours or less has been increasing.

Not getting a good night’s sleep is a common cause of accidents. And, says CDC researcher Lela McKnight-Eily:

“Sleep loss and sleeping disorders are associated with several physical and mental health problems, including diabetes, obesity, depression, and anxiety.” (9 seconds)

For adults to get seven to nine hours of sleep a night, McKnight-Eily recommends  maintaining a regular sleep schedule; avoiding caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol before bedtime, and seeing a doctor if trouble persists.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: March, 25 2008