Chronic Insufficient Sleep

Specialty Area: Sleep Medicine

The most common explanation for complaints of sleepiness in our society is inadequate sleep. Due to the stress and rigors of society, most Americans often get less than 7 hours of sleep per night. Based on the current sleep deprivation research findings, most individuals require 7.5 to 8.5 hours of sleep nightly in order to function at their best, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Sleep deprivation can also magnify the severity of other sleep disorders including sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.