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As part of the campaign, results of a new survey of American adultsreleased today showed that while nearly 60 percent of those at increased riskfor insomnia* say that their symptoms affect their daily activities at least afew days a week, only about half of those at increased risk for insomnia haveactually initiated a conversation with their healthcare professional abouttheir sleep issues.
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"More often than not, sleep sufferers are hesitant to talk to theirhealthcare professional because of lack of information or they don't thinktheir problem is serious enough," said Phyllis Zee, MD, PhD, NSF board member;associate director, Center for Sleep & Circadian Biology; and professor,Northwestern University Institute for Neuroscience. "Sleeping Smart willaddress common myths and misperceptions about insomnia, sleep habits andtreatment options to educate and motivate sufferers to address their sleepproblems."
America's Sleep Report Card
According to the survey:
-- More than one-third of Americans are at increased risk for insomnia.*
-- While most respondents can identify the consequences of insomnia (e.g.,increased risk of automotive crashes, decreased work performance, depressionor mood changes) they don't have a clear understanding of what insomnia is.Two-thirds of those at increased risk for insomnia don't consider themselvesto have the condition, which may further perpetuate reasons for not seekinghelp.
-- Practicing a healthy sleep routine prior to actually getting into bedmay help promote a good night's sleep. However, many people at increased riskfor insomnia engage in stimulating activities an hour before getting into bedat least a few nights per week, including watching TV (90 percent); using thecomputer or Internet (33 percent); or doing household chores (43 percent).
"Prescription sleep aids are safe and effective when taken as prescribed,however, our survey found that 85 percent of all respondents believed thatpeople often or sometimes misuse prescription sleep aids," said Helene A.Emsellem, MD, FAASM, medical director, The Center for Sleep and WakeDisorders, Chevy Chase, Maryland and a volunteer with the National SleepFoundation. "It is important for patients to work with their healthcareprofessional to determine the best course of treatment for their insomnia,including lifestyle changes, adjusting bedtime sleep routines, cognitivebehavioral therapy, and/or prescription medications that help people fall andstay asleep."
As with all medications, it is important to take sleep aids only asdirected by a healthcare professional. This means following his or herinstructions about how to take, when to take and how long to take sleepmedicine. Sleep aids should not be taken with alcohol, before driving oroperating machinery, or before taking a bath or shower, among other things. Besure you're able to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again.Patients should consult with a healthcare professional before taking anymedication differently than how it is prescribed.
-- Exercise regularly (but complete the workout at least 3 hours beforebedtime)
-- Establish a regular relaxing "wind-down" bedtime routine
-- Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark,
