Sleep Epidemic : Apollo Health

The National Sleep Foundation estimates that most Americans are sleep deprived, suffering from health problems as a result. Sleep costs hundreds of billions in health and productivity losses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites sleep deprivation as the cause for over 100,000 crashes, injuries and fatalities each year. A recent study at UCSD confirms that chronic sleep problems can cut more than a decade from your life expectancy.

It didn't used to be this way.

Just a few decades ago, we took sleep for granted. Sleeplessness was uncommon, almost unheard of. What changed?

Why the Increase in Sleep Problems?

Our lifestyles have changed dramatically over the last few decades. We are spending longer workdays, and when we relax, we spend most of our leisure time indoors. In fact, studies show that adults across America are spending less than one hour outdoors each day, far less than in the past.

The problem is that the center in our brain that regulates sleep, depends on signals like bright sunlight and dusk to know when to tell us to wake up and go to sleep. And our lifestyles just don't allow us to get these needed signals anymore.

Each of us has an internal body clock called the Suprachaismatic Nucleus, or body clock, that regulates daily sleep/wake patterns. The body clock depends on these light signals to function properly each day. When we don't get these signals, our sleep/wake patterns suffer.

Circadian Rhythms Affect Sleep

Our daily sleep/wake patterns are called circadian rhythms. 'Circadian' is Latin for 'about a day,' and it describes our body's level of energy and sleep. If you struggle with sleep, mood or energy, a circadian rhythm problem is probably a factor.

CRD's Contribute to Other Sleep Problems

Circadian Rhythm Problems keep our bodies from enjoying a complete or rejuvenating sleep. Because CRD's disrupt the sleep pattern, they may contribute to narcolepsy, sleep apnea, snoring, etc. Most people find these symptoms diminish when their circadian rhythms are working properly.

Circadian Rhythm Test

If you experience difficulty sleeping or lack energy during the day, a circadian rhythm problem may be contributing to your condition. You can now take a test to see if you have a circadian rhythm problem. The assessment tool will let you know which circadian rhythm problem you may have as well as its degree of severity. Since our body clocks react differently, this assessment tool will also develop a customized treatment schedule so you can respond as quickly as possible