Roughly ten percent of Americans suffer from chronic insomnia. It's more common in women and the elderly. Several things can contribute to sleep problems. Psychological disorders or emotional stress may keep the mind active in replaying the day's events or planning for the next day. Respiratory conditions, such as asthma, can also interfere with breathing and disrupt sleep.
Lack of sleep can have a significant impact on daily functioning and productivity.
Sleepiness interferes with memory, learning, concentration, and the ability to complete required tasks. On the road, sleepy drivers cause roughly 100,000 car accidents and 1,500 deaths every year. The amount of sleep we need varies. Some people function well on just a few hours of sleep while others need 10 to 12 hours. It's not uncommon to have a restless night once in a while.