Nearly one-third of Americans are sleep deprived, according to a recent study.  Results show that getting less than 6.9 hours of sleep each night takes a more extreme toll on the body than most people realize.

      Inadequate amounts of sleep affects memory, according to a recent study conducted at Harvard University, without enough sleep, newly-acquired skills and information are not properly coded in the brain, making it difficult to remember.

      Sleep deprivation also decreases the ability of the immune system to fight off illness and disease.  Reports show that just losing three hours of sleep causes a 30% decrease in immune system response.  This lack of response suppresses melatonin, which contributes to breast cancer; a growth hormone produced during sleep is impaired, which contributes to osteoporosis; insulin resistance and impaired glucose processing, can lead to diabetes, and excess insulin and stored fat, leads to obesity.

      While some people choose to give up on some of the necessary hours of sleep, others are simply unable to sleep.

      Factors that contribute to insomnia are lack of exercise, poor diet, excessive alcohol or caffeine; medical conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, hypothyroidism, and over-active bladders; medications, such as anti-depressants, pain killers, allergy drugs and various hormones; natural conditions, such as PMS and menopause; and various health disorders.

      Many of these factors can be treated with Chiropractic.  If you suffer from any of the above conditions or are having difficulty sleeping, see your Chiropractor.

SOURCE: “Most Americans aren’t getting enough shut-eye,” MpHealth News, March 2001, Vol. 4.