Sleeping soundly should come easily after a hard day's work. According to modest estimates, at least 20 to 30 million Americans suffer from insomnia. Insomnia is a symptom of some larger problem related to lifestyle or physical or psychological health. The resulting fatigue of sleep deprivation can lead to increased stress, irritability, even catastrophe. An estimated 200,000 to 400,000 car and truck accidents every year are related to lack of sleep.
Fatigue can lower motivation and negatively affect job performance and personal relationships.
Evidence also suggests that sleeplessness may compromise the immune system. The amount of sleep each of us requires is an individual matter. Generally, most adults sleep seven to eight hours in a 24-hour period. Since no research indicates that a particular amount of sleep is needed, whatever makes you feel refreshed and alert is considered adequate. According to Tanouye, the quality of sleep we get is probably more important than the quantity.