INBALANCE
Sleeplessness Carries High Price For Businesses, Individuals Getting 40 winks can be difficult. Here are some tips for a good night’s sleep. By John Hilton
W
e’ve all experienced it: You lie awake long past the time you should be sawing logs, all the while knowing you are unlikely to be sharp and alert for the big day ahead. You could get up and at least be productive, but what if you’re just about to find sleep at last? Or maybe you’re out on the town with an old friend, or watching a late game that goes into double overtime. Should you sacrifice sleep for the memories that staying up could offer? It’s a quandary for sure. One thing that is not in dispute is the value of a good night’s sleep — as well as the fact that many Americans are not getting it. According to the American Sleep Association, nearly 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder. Insomnia is the most common sleep issue, with 30% of adults suffering from short-term
insomnia and 10% from a long-term affliction. Health experts agree that adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night. But about 35% of people get less than that. Age seems to be a big factor in the lack of sleep, with 37% of people ages 20–39 reporting low sleep duration and 40% of people ages 40–59 getting too little sleep.
“Sleep is not just beneficial but essential to our mental and physical health,” said Christine Deschemin, a certified hypnotherapist based in Hong Kong. “Sleep deprivation can cause a series of illnesses and poor emotional regulation. It is believed to lead to more inflammation. People who lack sleep tend to be more hungry, and their cognitive abilities can be impaired. Their minds are foggy, and they may lack focus and concentration.”
Wide Awake Costs
Nearly 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder, with insomnia being the most common.
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Lack of sleep can have a significant negative impact on mental and physical health. Although it might seem like a harmless nuisance, long-term insomnia can have a dramatic effect on daily life and even lead to death from accidents and impaired judgment.
InsuranceNewsNet Magazine » August 2021
The costs to society of sleep deprivation are substantial. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, insomnia costs: » 11.3 days of work for the average worker every year. » $2,280 in lost productivity for the average worker each year.
» A total of $63.2 billion for the entire nation in lost productivity per year. The individual costs are hefty as well. About 1,600 deaths and 40,000 injuries are caused by drowsy driving each year,
