Approximately 60 million people in the United States suffer from insomnia, and nearly half of American adults report experiencing at least one symptom of insomnia at least a few nights a week in the past year, yet the vast majority remains undiagnosed and untreated. Myths and misperceptions about insomnia and its treatment still persist that keep many sufferers from getting the sleep they need.
When people do not get enough sleep, a “sleep debt” can accumulate, which can be difficult to catch up to if it becomes too big. The consequences of not getting enough sleep can include daytime fatigue, impaired mood, depression, decreased ability to concentrate and make decisions, and increased risk of additional illness and injury. In fact, insufficient sleep has been associated with a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
Adding to the problem, many people are reluctant to take sleep medications. According to a recent survey, about two in ten respondents said they assumed their sleep problems would go away naturally, or that they would ignore the problem and do nothing about it.
But ignoring the...