Can't sleep? Eye-opening facts about common sleep myths

(ARA) - Are you tired of feeling tired? Are sleepless nights interfering with your days? If so, you may be one of the approximately 30 million Americans who suffer from chronic insomnia. In fact, according to a national survey, 54 percent of adults said they have experienced symptoms of insomnia at least a few times a week.

Unfortunately, there are many misperceptions and myths about sleep, which may explain why so many sufferers remain untreated. The good news is that there is help available. That's why The National Sleep Foundation, together with sanofi-aventis U.S. has teamed up with renowned women's health expert, Dr. Donnica Moore, to educate millions of Americans about the importance of a good night's sleep.

"Considering the current economic environment, many Americans are having trouble falling or staying asleep. People may think that their sleep problems aren't severe enough to talk to a healthcare professional," says Donnica Moore, MD, president, Sapphire Women's Health Group and health expert. "Yet, anyone who has been experiencing symptoms of insomnia for more than a month or who finds that sleep problems are interfering with their daily life, should speak with a healthcare professional, especially before self-medicating."

When Americans don't get the sleep they need, their daily activities may be affected. Some potential consequences of insomnia are decreased work performance, depression or mood changes and increased risk of automotive crashes.

Some common myths include:

Myth: Sleep is not important; I can just get by on a few hours.

Fact: Sleep is vital to our health and well-being, and is just as important as diet and exercise. Although individual needs may vary, adults typically need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

Myth: Men and women are affected the same way by insomnia.

Fact: Insomnia is nearly twice as common in women than in men, and women are more likely than men to report insomnia to their healthcare professional.

Myth: If I can't sleep, I can pick up something at the pharmacy. I don't need to see a healthcare professional. After all, over-the-counter (OTC) medications are safer than prescription sleep aids.

Fact: OTCs may be appropriate, but it's smart to discuss any treatment options with your healthcare professional before you self-medicate.

Myth: Prescription sleep aids are not safe and may be addictive or cause dependency.

Fact: When taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional, sleep aids can safely and effectively treat insomnia. There is a lower risk for dependency and tolerance with the newer prescription sleep aids compared to traditional benzodiazopines.

Myth: I can have alcohol or wine with my sleep aid - it will help me get to sleep faster.

Fact: Sleep medications should not be used with alcohol or other drugs. Sleep aids should also not be taken before driving or operating machinery, or before taking a bath or shower, among other things.

As with all medications, it is important to take sleep aids only as directed by a healthcare professional. This means following instructions about how to take, when to take, and how long to take sleep medicine. Be sure you're able to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again.

Tips for Sleeping Smart
* Establish a regular bed and wake time
* Avoid nicotine altogether and avoid caffeine close to bedtime
* Avoid alcohol
* Exercise regularly (but complete the workout at least 3 hours before bedtime)
* Establish a regular relaxing "wind-down" bedtime routine
* Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet and comfortable
* Discuss the appropriate way to take any sleep aid with a healthcare professional

Are you sleeping smart? For more information visit www.sleepingsmart.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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