A poll for the National Sleep Foundation suggests that the US economy and other personal financial concerns are robbing some one-third of US adults of sleep.

 

 The findings show that the number of people reporting poor sleep has almost doubled since 2001.

 

“Something’s happening out there. People are losing sleep. There needs to be a public health message, because sleep is not something you can compromise on – it has consequences. It is as important as diet and exercise,” says National Sleep Foundation board member Woodie Kessel.

 

About 1,000 Americans participated in the survey, called “Sleep of America.” Sixteen percent of them said they are losing sleep because of financial concerns. Fifteen percent reported sleep problems because of the state of the US economy and another 10 percent said job worries are keeping them awake.

 

People who had had sleep problems in the past and looked for help are now forced to give up on their treatment because they do not afford it anymore.

“With the economy worsening, we are seeing patients in our clinic who have told us that they would not be returning for treatment because they of other family members have lost their jobs, and they are concerned about costs,” said Dr. Meir Kryger, of Gaylord Sleep Services in Connecticut.

 

Getting more sleep is always good for our health. Whether it prevents heart disease and obesity or all the other conditions that develops as a consequence of a weakened immune system, getting an extra hour of sleep or even more has been always thought beneficial to us.

 

According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults should get at least seven hours a night, children ages 5 to 12 should get nine to eleven hours, while adolescents need 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 hours. But how many of us really get the recommended amount of sleep? You are all invited to answer for yourself.