February 28, 2008

National Sleep Awareness Week, March 3-9, coincides with the return of Daylight Saving Time in an effort to make sleep consciousness a part of every person’s lifestyle. Most of us lose an hour of precious sleep at the beginning of Daylight Saving time, which can make us more aware of our sleep needs. Every year, a number of people miss appointments or are late to work on the day following the time change.

The National Sleep Foundation offers the following steps you can take to transition into Daylight Saving Time.

1. Sleep a little more than usual a few nights prior to and immediately following the time change.
2. Take a nap in the afternoon on Sunday if you need it, but not within a few hours of your regular bedtime. (Too close to bedtime can distrupt nighttime sleep)
3. Say “yes” to sleep even when you’re tempted to stay up late. You’ll thank yourself in the morning. Make sleep a priority.

Daylight Saving Time starts Sunday, March 9, 2008. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour before retiring on Saturday, March 8!

According to the National Sleep Foundation’s 2002 Sleep in America poll, 74% of American adults have a sleeping problem a few nights a week or more, 39% get less than seven hours of sleep each weeknight, and more than one in three (37%) are so sleepy during the day that it interferes with daily activities. Sleep deprivation is affecting us all and we are paying the price. Like air, food and water, sleep is a necessity of life. When we get enough quality sleep, we awaken feeling alert and refreshed; when we don’t, many parts of our lives suffer. Our health and safety as well as our jobs and relationships are put at risk. Lack of sleep due to sleep loss and/or sleep disorders is taking a serious toll. If you feel you suffer from one or more of over 80 sleep disorders, it is important to talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Make sleep a priority.

To learn more about one of the most prevalent sleep disorders affecting Americans read what YourLungHealth has to say about Sleep Apnea.  YourLungHealth also has tips on living with sleep apnea. Find out more.