Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorder facts:

• More than 70 million Americans suffer from one or more sleep disorders.
• There are more than 80 sleep/wake disorders resulting in daytime sleepiness due to an inability to either fall asleep or maintain restful sleep.
• It is estimated that 95% of the 70 million Americans that suffer from a sleep disorder go undiagnosed and untreated.
• It is estimated that more than 20 million people have sleep apnea.
• Over 40% of people have had some form of insomnia.
• More than 20% of people report using prescription and/or over-the-counter medications to help them sleep.
• Over 40% of adults report they are so sleepy during the day that it interferes with their daily activities.
• 1 of every 3 Americans regularly fails to sleep well at night
• Many sleep disorders can be treated to help ensure better quality sleep. Some sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, can ultimately result in heart disease or stroke, if left untreated. However, studies have shown that when apnea is treated early, further unhealthy effects on the cardiovascular and neurological systems can be avoided and any damages sometimes reversed.
• Women are twice as likely as men to have difficulty falling and staying asleep
• Pregnancy can worsen sleep patterns
• Menopause and hormone changes cause changes in sleep
• Over half of those over the age of 65 experience disturbed sleep
• Those over 65 make up about 13% of the US population, but consume over 30% of prescription drug and 40% of sleeping pills
• Sleep problems add an estimated $15.9 billion to national health care costs