Sleep is Not a Top Priority for Americans

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Written by:

Derek

Last Updated: Tue, August 28, 2018

According to research, many Americans are not getting enough sleep during the night. Consequences of sleep deprivation are numerous, including feeling very tired at work and being at risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. People also often lose interest in sex because of being too sleepy. Sleep deprivation should be taken very seriously. It is important for people to be aware that insufficient sleep can significantly impact their daily activities. 

Quality should be as important to us as quantity. Many Americans claim that they wake up tired even when they get a recommended number of hours of sleep. It happens because their rest was of poor or fair quality, and as a result, they don’t wake up feeling refreshed. 

Unfortunately, more than 30% of Americans are sleep deprived on a regular basis, and they are not doing much to change that. Most of these adults fall within the age group of 35 to 54 years. Women are more likely to report the symptoms of sleep disorders, such as insomnia, while men are more prone to snoring. They are also less ignorant to the effects of the lack of rest compared to men, and they focus more on the comfort of their bedroom by using comfortable bedding and mattress.  

How do Americans Deal with Sleep Deprivation? 

Instead of trying their best to get a recommended number of hours of rest at night, most of them turn to other options. For example, 30% of Americans can’t function without having a cup of coffee in the morning. They also try to make up for the lack of sleep by consuming caffeinated beverages during the day.

The use of healthy methods like going for a walk or taking a nap is less common, whereas the popularity of prescription sleep aids is increasing rapidly. 

Problems Related to the Lack of Sleep 

Many Americans are at risk of developing various health issues connected to sleep deprivation. For example, sleeping only a few hours a night increases the risk of high blood pressure. The lack of rest also contributes to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, memory loss, and obesity.

Mood changes, troubles concentrating, and weakened immune system are also consequences of not getting enough rest. Unfortunately, most people are not aware of the impact that sleep deprivation can have on their lives. The proper rest is crucial to our overall health.  

The Behavior of Sleep-Deprived Individuals 

It is reported that sleep deprivation can have the same impact on our bodies as driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. People also tend to be less social when they are tired. The reason for this is simple – their brains have difficulty reading facial expressions, and that’s why they are less likely to engage in social interactions. They can also be short-tempered, quick to judge, volatile, cranky, and they tend to react negatively.

Depression and low perception of self can also occur when a person is sleep-deprived. Problem-solving and decision-making skills can also be affected, and as a result, people tend to engage in risky behaviors.

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