Most of us have difficulty sleeping at one time or another. In fact, sleep problems are the second most often reported medical complaint, the first being pain. Inadequate sleep has become such a pervasive problem that we now accept it as a normal part of life. The frantic pace of modern society is leaving more Americans awake when they shouldn't be. Pressure to work often supercedes sleep as a priority.
Restful sleep is as important as exercise or a healthy diet in maintaining overall health.
But in spite of evidence showing the value of sleep, few Americans are acting to get the rest they need. A recent report from the National Institutes of Health stated, inadequate sleep or nonrestorative sleep has major implications for our productivity, health and well-being. Lack of sleep restricts our effectiveness on the job. Researchers investigating the effects of lost sleep on workers' performance find that often learning, memory and problem-solving skills are impaired and communication skills suffer. Fatigue affects our ability to concentrate.