A Sleepless Nation 70 Million Strong by Lisa Chavis (NAPSA)—A new report by the National Academies’ Institute of Medicine shows that between 50 and 70 million Americans struggle with chronic sleep problems, and according to the United States Sur- geon General, sleep deprivation and disorders cost the nation $15 billion in health care expenses and $50 billion in lost productivity each year. A lack of sleep can take a toll both psychologically and physically, from day- time sleepiness to weakened immune systems. Long-term sleep deprivation ( leads to problems Lisa Chavis that can include memory lapses, de- pression, irritability and impaired work performance. To win the battle over sleepless nights, many Americans are turning to medication. In 2005, 42 mil- As many as one in four Americans report trouble sleeping. day, even on weekends. e Exercise regularly: Exer- cise done early in the day can reduce stress and help put you to sleep at night. Watch what you eat and drink: Avoid alcohol, caffeine and meals close to bedtime, but a cup of warm milk can help make you sleepy. Unplug: This is particularly were filled. An analysis by Medco important for teens with sleep problems—make sure the bedroom is free of computers, video using sleeping medications rose 128 percent between 2000 and tom of a physical or psychological condition that requires treatment, lion prescriptions for sleeping pills Health Solutions, Inc. found that the numberof adults ages 20 to 44 2005, and was up 114 percent among 10 to 19-year-olds in that same timeperiod. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, affecting between 30 and 40 percent of adults within a given year. Other sleep disorders include sleep apnea—a temporary suspension of breath- ing that occurs throughout the night—and restless leg syn- drome, which is characterized by intense discomfort, mostly felt in the legs when at rest. One of the first steps to relieving sleep problems is to talk to your doctor or pharmacist aboutit. Here are some tips for insomniacs: Keep to a regular sleep schedule: Go to sleep and wake up at about the same time each games, T'Vs and phones. Sleep troubles can be a symp- so it’s important to see your doctor if your sleep problem persists. Depending on the diagnosis, your physician may recommend a behavioral therapy and possibly drug treatments for serious sleep disorders. Medications include both over-the-counter and prescription drugs called hypnotics. Drug therapy is usually only rec- ommended for short-term use. A combination of medication and behavioral interventions is often more effective than either approach alone for those with chronic insomnia. Lisa Chavis, RPh, is a lead pharmacist for the Drug Utilization Review department at Medco Health Solutions, Inc. Her books include “The Family Pharmacist” and “Ask Your Pharmacist.”
