They grab an extra 40 minutes of sleep on the weekend. A very small section of the population only needs 4 hours. At the other end of the spectrum are those individuals who require a full 10 hours of sleep every night. But ample sleep is extremely important for good health. The first consequences of sleep deprivation are irritability and a reduction in one's ability to think.
People underestimate the dangers involved with too little sleep.
We're raised to think of sleep deprivation as a badge of honor. Treatment for insomnia depends on the underlying cause. Dr. Mahowald says doctors can figure out how to treat individuals by looking at their medical history and by administering a basic physical exam. Insomnia affects between 20 and 30 percent of the population. Between two and four percent suffer from sleep apnea, an interruption of breathing during sleep.