CHRONIC SLEEP DEPRIVATION

by Dr. Kevin Keough

Sleep is the cornerstone of health. It's also the cornerstone people tend to disrespect more than most health fundamentals. Most of us are chronically sleep deprieved, don't know how much sleep we actually need, and are woefully misinformed on this key health indicator. The links below contain a few sleep quizzes, information about the practical dangers and serious health risks related to chronic sleep deprivation, tips on sleep hygeine, etc. It is worth noting that our bodies keep track of how much sleep we lose--called sleep debt. Our brains are fairly unforgiving when we get too masculine about how long we can go without a decent night's sleep. About 25% of children under the age of 5 have significant sleep problems. More than 100 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder, and the rate is increasing every year.

There are precisely 84 recognized sleep disorders--who needs to count sheep when we can count sleep disorders? Insomnia is no laughing matter, however. Dr. Dement, the father of sleep research, asserts that sleep deprivation is one of the most effective forms of torture. Anyone finishing a 7 swing can back him up. Sleep medicines used judiciously can be godsends. The good news is that if you make a decision to get your sleep under control, we can help you do it. A $100.00 check to the first police officer who came name all 84 sleep disorders....

* Detroit Medical Center--Sleep Disorder Quiz
* National Sleep Foundation-Daytime Sleepiness Test
* Driving and Sleepiness* The British Sleep Foundation--Shift Work
* Stanford University--How to Sleep Well
* Role of Snoring and Daytime Sleepiness in Occupational Accidents
* Tired Cops Pose Risks to Themselves and Their Communities
* Sleepy Drivers Just as Dangerous as Intoxicated Drivers
* Stanford Researchers Study Drug to Help Shift Workers Stay Focused and Rest Easy
* Exposure to Light and Sleep Pattern Alteration Can Effect the Biological Clock