Stress-related insomnia, snoring and sleep apnea are among the top reasons Americans are losing sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Continued sleep deprivation over two nights or more can have an adverse effect on your mental and physical health, as well as on such conditions as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.

Why do we sleep?
The inability to get a good nights sleep can result in both health and safety hazards. Researchers say that when we are deprived of our suggested eight hours of sleep, we subject ourselves to irritability, attention deficits and a compromised immune system. Recent research has isolated products of the body's immune system that seem to be sleep-inducers and may be a good indication that the body needs to sleep to help support and even regenerate its immune system.

Possible Causes of Poor Sleep: Stress (mental or emotional), daily anxiety, physical challenges including restless legs, caffeine intake, irregular schedules, alcohol and nicotine consumption, occasional pain and discomfort.

Effects of Sleeplessness
Difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep affects more than 84 million people! It is characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining a deep, refreshing sleep, waking up throughout the night, waking up early and being unable to get back to sleep, and waking up feeling tired or un-refreshed.
The day following a sleepless night may cause symptoms which may affect your mood, be a source of anxiety, result in a lower level of physical and mental well-being, and cause unwanted changes in your usual level of concentration, memory and ability to accomplish more challenges and tasks. The National Commission on Sleep Disorders indicated in a 1998 report that sleep deprivation costs billions of dollars annually in accidents and lost productivity, higher stress, shortened tempers, overall fatigue, lower motivation, slower reflexes and more mistakes.

Suggestions for a Restful Night's Sleep:
NaturalCare's SleepFix™, follow a consistent schedule and routine, do not to nap during the day, exercise at regular times each day, don't consume caffeine drinks, alcohol or smoke, create a safe and comfortable place to sleep. The room should be dark, well ventilated, and as quiet as possible, try not to worry about your sleep.