Sleeping Smart

America's Sleep Report Card (Survey Results)

"I am Doctor Phyllis Zee, a Professor of Neurology and Director of the Sleep Disorder Center at Northwestern University Medical School. I am also a member of the Board of Directors of the National Sleep Foundation, and a member of the Sleeping Smart Faculty."

"The National Sleep Foundation's mission is to improve public health through education, research and advocacy in the area of sleep and sleep disorders."

"I am Doctor Phyllis Zee, a Professor of Neurology and Director of the Sleep Disorder Center at Northwestern University Medical School. I am also a member of the Board of Directors of the National Sleep Foundation, and a member of the Sleeping Smart Faculty."

"The National Sleep Foundation's mission is to improve public health through education, research and advocacy in the area of sleep and sleep disorders."

What is insomnia? What are the consequences?

"Insomnia is difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and unable to get back to sleep. Some of the consequences include irritability, depression, lack of attention, all of which can affect productivity and relationships."

"I tell my patients that it's important to prioritize sleep, and it is essential to maintain healthy sleep habits throughout their life."

What is the difference between sleep deprivation and insomnia?

"With both sleep deprivation and insomnia, you're just not getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation is when you don't allow enough time to sleep, whereas with insomnia, despite allowing sufficient time to sleep, you just can't sleep."

America's Sleep Report Card Survey Results

"According to a new survey, 34 percent of Americans are at increased risk for insomnia."

"Nearly 60 percent of those at increased risk for insomnia say that their symptoms affect their daily activities at least a few days a week."

"Many people at increased risk for insomnia say trouble falling asleep or staying asleep impacts their job performance, mood, family relationships, and/or attention and concentration."

1. Job performance (36 %)
2. Mood (73 %)
3. Family relationships (42 %)
4. Attention & Concentration (63 %)

"Only about half of those at increased risk for insomnia have actually initiated a conversation with their healthcare professional about their sleep issues."

"Many people at increased risk for insomnia are hesitant to talk to their healthcare professional about their sleep problems because they either don't think they have insomnia or a sleep problem, 40 percent, or it's not serious enough to make an appointment, 66 percent, or they are concerned about the safety of prescription sleep aids, 48 percent."

"While most respondents can identify the consequences of insomnia such as increased risk of car crashes, decreased work performance, depression or mood changes- they don't have a clear understanding of what insomnia is."

"Two-thirds of those at increased risk for insomnia did not identify themselves as having insomnia."

"The survey uncovered that many people at increased risk for insomnia engaged in stimulating activities an hour before getting into bed at least a few nights per week."

1. Watched TV (90 %)
2. Were on the computer or internet (33 %)
3. Completed household chores (43 %)

"85 percent of all respondents believed that people often or sometimes misuse prescription sleep medications. However, newer prescription sleep aids have been shown to be safe and effective when taken as prescribed."

"It is important for you to work with your healthcare professional to develop the best course of treatment for your insomnia. This may include lifestyle changes, cognitive behavior therapy, healthy sleep habits, and/or prescription medications, all of which can help you fall and stay asleep."

"Thank you for taking the time to start sleeping smart."