The numbers are a nightmare: the National Sleep Foundation states that a mere 44% of all Americans report that they regularly sleep well. Considering the negative effects of chronic sleep deprivation, up to 66% of Americans are exposed to a greater risk of a wide range of health problems, as well as decreased productivity during waking hours.
Health Risks of Sleeplessness
While there aren’t exact numbers for diagnosis, doctors will consider you to be an insomniac if you suffer through a month where you get less than six hours of sleep, three or more times a week, and it takes longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep. Insomnia has many different causes, including cardiovascular problems, anxiety, stress, and bad sleep hygiene. Initial symptoms of insomnia include headaches, irritability, sleep anxiety, and stomach problems.
Chronic sleeplessness may lead to complications that extend over all aspects of your life. Those with insomnia endure a reduced quality of life and are at higher risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obesity, anxiety, and depression.
Sleep deprivation also reduces reaction times in a similar manner as alcohol consumption. Reduced reaction times can increase the chances of you getting into a car accident, and you could experience a noticeable dip in workplace productivity.
The Sleep Apnea Feedback Loop
One of the most significant causes of insomnia is sleep apnea. This condition causes the airways to constrict while sleeping, leading to difficulty breathing. In the most severe cases of sleep apnea, the sufferer may stop breathing for extended periods of time.
There are many causes of sleep apnea, including obesity, excessive alcohol intake, and genetics. One particularly cruel trigger of this breathing condition is exhaustion. Whenever throat muscles relax, those who are susceptible to sleep apnea run a greater risk of obstructing their airways. A bout of insomnia can lead to a feedback loop of exhaustion where sleeplessness triggers sleep apnea and vice versa.
The Sleep Disorder Industry
With the chronic sleep issues in America, it’s no wonder that the sleep disorder industry has boomed over the past few years, creating “an estimated $7.1 billion in revenue in 2015,” according to an IBISWorld report. As doctors and researchers strive to reach a better understanding of the causes, effects, and potential cures for sleeplessness, more and more Americans are taking action to ensure that they don’t become one of many victims of sleeplessness.
Are Sleepless Nights Effecting You?
If you want to be among the 50% of Americans who get a solid night’s sleep, your first move should be to call an experienced ENT. For over 10 years, Dr. Nguyen has specialized in nasal, allergy and sleep conditions, and has helped hundreds of people get the relief they need, and the restful sleep they crave.
Book an assessment with Dr. Nguyen at Houston Sinus & Allergy, and start sleeping soundly.
