Smarter Sleeping 101

Not to be confused with Smarter Sleeping, Sleeping Smart is the latest campaign from the National Sleep Foundation to generate awareness for clinical insomnia.  The OH&S writes:

“The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) announced that, together with sanofi-aventis, it is launching a new campaign called Sleeping Smart, which will educate the millions of Americans who have sleep problems about the importance of a good night’s sleep, proper sleep habits, help them understand the consequences of insomnia, and the safe and appropriate use of prescription sleep medications. The campaign also will motivate sleep-sufferers to talk to a healthcare professional to determine if treatment is appropriate.”

The latest survey from the NSF has some interesting findings:

• More than one-third of Americans are at increased risk for insomnia.
• While most respondents can identify the consequences of insomnia (e.g., increased risk of automotive crashes, decreased work performance, depression or mood changes) they don’t have a clear understanding of what insomnia is.
• Two-thirds of those at increased risk for insomnia don’t consider themselves to have the condition, which may further perpetuate reasons for not seeking help.
• Practicing a healthy sleep routine prior to actually getting into bed may help promote a good night’s sleep. However, many people at increased risk for insomnia engage in stimulating activities an hour before getting into bed at least a few nights per week, including watching TV (90 percent); using the computer or Internet (33 percent); or doing household chores (43 percent).

If you believe you are suffering from clinical insomnia, it is strongly suggested you see a physician and not take to larger doses of natural supplements.  Natural supplements such as SleepSmart are designed to combat occasional sleeplessness and mild insomnia.  Chronic insomnia is a medical condition and should be treated as such.

This week’s insomnia story comes from Jenny Lim of Island Packet.  Her take on the Nation Sleep Foundation’s games and quizzes created for The Great American Sleep Challenge.  Check out the excerpt below:

“My lack of sleep is frequently the result of my own choices, most of which revolve around my love of to-do lists, or more specifically, my love of checking stuff off my to-do list. I’ll stay up late for the bizarre joy of knowing I’ve finished all the laundry. I’ll get up early for the freakish satisfaction of thinking I didn’t waste over-ripe bananas because I was able to bake them into a loaf of freshly made banana bread. (Sometimes, I’ll write down tasks I’ve finished, just so I can check them off. Yes, I’m that girl.)”

Read the rest.