The Importance of Sleep

Sleep is essential for a person’s health and wellbeing, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Yet millions of people do not get enough sleep and many suffer from lack of sleep. For example, surveys conducted by the NSF (1999-2004) reveal that at least 40 million Americans suffer from over 70 different sleep disorders and 60 percent of adults report having sleep problems a few nights a week or more. Most of those with these problems go undiagnosed and untreated. In addition, more than 40 percent of adults experience daytime sleepiness severe enough to interfere with their daily activities at least a few days each month - with 20 percent reporting problem sleepiness a few days a week or more. Furthermore, 69 percent of children experience one or more sleep problems a few nights or more during a week.

The amount of sleep we need varies with each individual but on average an adult needs 8 hours of sleep. Some people are able to function well with just 6 hours sleep whereas others need 10.The many scientists and psychologists which have studied sleep disorders have shown that lack of sleep can affect the following:

The immune system - The immune system is a protection mechanism made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body, it is the body's natural defence against infectious organisms such as bacteria, microbes, viruses, parasites and toxins.

Metabolic functions - The processes necessary for the maintenance of a living organism.

Cardiovascular system - This includes the heart and blood vessels, arteries, veins and capillaries. The system transports food, hormones, metabolic wastes, and gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from cells.

So as you can see by the list above it is very important to get good nights sleep. There are many reasons why some of us have trouble sleeping and many people who can sleep take it for granted. Insomnia could be one reason, insomnia is when you are tired during the day and struggle to nod off, and once you do nod off you sleep lightly and wake up too early. Insomnia can be caused by medical problems, substance use or an emotional issue. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder caused by difficulty in breathing during sleep. Loud snoring and then long pauses in breathing followed by gasping for breath are the main symptoms. Stress could also be a factor in why some people can't sleep.