FutureWire - futurism and emerging technology

Monday, February 27, 2006

You Are Feeling Veeerrrry Sleeeeeeepy...

Feeling tired? If so, you're in good company.

Seventy million Americans aren't getting a good night's sleep, according to the National Institutes of Health. The resulting sleeplessness is affecting work performance ($50 billion annually in lost productivity) and causing safety hazards (100,000 car crashes each year, plus many other undocumented accidents). Sleeping pills and caffiene-laden beverages, experts say, only mask the problem.

Causes of sleeplessness range from stress to overloaded schedules to disorders such as sleep apnea. Scientists are investigating genetic causes of sleep troubles, and are improving their ability to diagnose specific problems.

So if you have trouble falling asleep at night, see your doctor. And sweet dreams.

Source: WCAU-TV