The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shed light on some unsettling trends involving our sleep. More than 35 percent of Americans get less than seven hours of sleep per night – and 1 in 20 has fallen asleep at the wheel in the past month.
Drowsy driving is one of the most overlooked dangers on our roadways. It’s estimated that as many as 1,550 deaths and 40,000 personal-injury accidents are caused by drowsy drivers.
The CDC surveyed about 74,000 adults in 12 states about various topics related to sleep. The survey was a new module included in the CDC’s 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Results show nearly half of the people surveyed snore and 38 percent unintentionally nodded off during the day at least once in the past month.
The AASM reports that adults need a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night. Even an hour less of sleep per night can lead to long-term health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and diabetes. It also can sap your energy, ruin your productivity and put you in a foul mood.
There’s a reason why Americans are constantly among the most sleep-deprived in the world. Aside from the many worries that keep us awake at night, our society seems to reward those who stay up working or socializing rather than sleeping. Being sleep-deprived isn’t a badge of honor; it’s a threat to your health.
