Better Sleep Month Series: Importance of Sleep
We all need sleep. Without enough, we can't function. Without any (for long enough), we die. Sleep deprivation is used as a means of torture.
In spite of how important sleep is, most people don't get enough. Get this:
- 63% of American adults regularly don't get enough sleep
- Yearly sleeping pills sales are multi-billion dollar range
- 34% of U.S. workplaces allow employees to take naps during breaks, and 16% provide a place for it
Studies show that sleep is when the body repairs itself, and that it's when the brain converts short-term memory into long-term memory and performs other maintenance.
A sobering fact is that those of us with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome don't sleep well. Some of us sleep very little, and poorly to boot. Some sleep a lot, but never feel rested.
For National Better Sleep Month, I'm going to explore a wide variety of sleep-related issues, including the steps we can take to sleep better (not the same, tired tips!); the many sleep disorders we're prone to; beds, bedding and pillows; sleep studies, and the many reasons I believe all of us diagnosed with these conditions should have one.
If you need to sleep better, join me here every few days or subscribe to my free FMS & ME/CFS newsletter.
In the meantime, take the poll, and share your comments about your struggles with sleep by leaving a comment below.
Photo © Barros & Barros/Getty Images
Whilst pain plays a huge part in my disrupted sleep. The bladder is another major problem, I am up at least 4 times a night.
I have found if I take 1 tramadol (Ultram) & 2 Advil PM, I have no trouble falling asleep, usually only wake up once during the night, & can go back to sleep. Before I started this routine, I had a very hard time falling asleep & when I woke up in the middle of the night, I could NOT fall back go sleep. My Dr. told me the sleep agent in Advil PM is simply Benedryl, so I feel comfortable taking them.