Lack of sufficient sleep has been linked to: Chronic Disease, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Obesity, and Depression. You can check out the sources backing this up by clicking here.
Sleep is important for people of all ages to stay in good health. Sufficient sleep is increasingly being recognized as an essential aspect of chronic disease prevention and health promotion. How much sleep is enough? Sleep needs vary from person to person and change as people age.
Consider these sleep guidelines for different age groups.
How much sleep do you need?
Newborns
16-18 hours
Preschool-aged Children11-12 hours
School-aged ChildrenAt least 10 hours
Teens9-10 hours
Adults (including older adults)7-8 hours
“… Sufficient sleep is not a luxury—it is a necessity—and should be thought of as a vital sign of good health.”
Wayne H. Giles, MD, MS, Director, Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. *Data from the National Institutes of HealthSleep-related difficulties – typically called sleep disorders – affect many people. Major sleep disorders include:
Insomnia – an inability to fall or stay asleep that can result in functional impairment throughout the day.
Electronics in the bedroom can be a major disruption.
Narcolepsy – excessive daytime sleepiness combined with sudden muscle weakness; episodes of narcolepsy are sometimes called “sleep attacks” and may occur in unusual circumstances.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) – an unpleasant “creeping” sensation associated with aches and pains throughout the legs that can make it difficult to fall asleep.
Sleep Apnea – interrupted sleep caused by periodic gasping or “snorting” noises or momentarily suspension of breathing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a sleep disorder, it may be important to receive an evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Read the full informative post of the CDC by clicking here.
article source: http://www.cdc.gov/features/sleep/
photo source: http://www.cdc.gov/features/sleep/sleep_456px.jpg
