As 2016 has ended and 2017 begins many Americans are setting resolutions to improve their lives. One area that deserves focus is sleep deprivation. The National Center for Biotechnology Information reported on the prevalence of sleep disorders, stating, “It is estimated that 50 to 70 million Americans chronically suffer from a disorder of sleep and wakefulness, hindering daily functioning and adversely affecting health and longevity.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2008-2009 29.7% of adults residing in Missouri did not get enough sleep in 14 or more of the last 30 days. Tackling the high rate of individuals struggling with sleep disorders is one of the primary goals of the Missouri Sleep Society. Together, we can help to reduce the rate of sleep deprivation in 2017 and beyond.

Sleep Deprivation in Missouri

Based on CDC statistics, the state of Missouri has one of the highest sleep deprivation rates in the country. Their report titled, “Insufficient Sleep Among Missouri Adults,” details the incidence of sleep deprivation across different regions of the state, and various demographic groups. The southern part of the state had the highest incidence of sleep deprivation, with 33-35.4% of adults reporting insufficient sleep. The northern part of the state had the next highest rate, with an average of 29-32.9% of adults reporting insufficient sleep, while the middle of the state had the lowest rates with 26.5-28.9% of adults reporting insufficient sleep.

When broken down by age bracket, adults age 25-34 had the highest rate of sleep deprivation at 38.2%, while adults age 35-44 had the second highest rate at 35.5%. The remaining age brackets experienced insufficient sleep at the following rates: age 45-54 - 31.8%, age 18-24 - 29.8%, age 55-64 - 25.3%, age 65 or older - 16.4%. Women were slightly more likely to experience sleep deprivation than men, at a rate of 32.3% versus 26.9%.

Among racial and ethnic groups, those who identified as white had the lowest incidence at 28.6%. Those who identified as other/multiracial had the highest incidence at 44.2%. Employment status also influenced the prevalence of insufficient sleep. Over half (52.9%) of all individuals who described themselves as unable to work reported insufficient sleep, while those who were unemployed reported a rate of 34.3%. Individuals who were employed reported insufficient sleep at a rate of 31%, homemakers or students 30.1%, and retired 14.9%.

Body weight also played a role in the prevalence of sleep deprivation. As body mass index increased, the incidence of sleep deprivation did as well. Among individuals who were underweight, the reported rate was 22.1%, normal weight 27.4%, overweight 28.6%, and obese 33.7%.

A report issued by America’s Health Rankings gives additional details on sleep statistics in Missouri. They found that individuals with lower incomes reported a greater incidence of sleep deprivation than those with higher incomes. When broken down into income brackets, those making less than $25,000 annually reported insufficient sleep at a rate of 39.8%, $25,000-49,999 at a rate of 34.4%, $50,000-74,999 at a rate of 36.2%, and $75,001 at a rate of 29.1%.

They also found a difference based on urbanicity. Individuals living in rural areas reported the highest rate of insufficient sleep at 34.1%. People living in urban areas reported a rate of 31.1%, while those living in suburban areas reported a rate of 30%.

What is Sleep Debt?

The average adult requires 7-9 hours of sleep a night. When an individual sleeps less than this,
 the amount they are short by is considered sleep debt. While getting less than the ideal amount of sleep in a single night may not create major problems, consistently falling short of the ideal leads to adverse conditions.

Harvard Health addresses the cumulative effects of sleep debt. In an article titled, “Repaying Your Sleep Debt,” it states, “The greater the sleep debt, the less capable we are of recognizing it: Once sleep deprivation — with its fuzzy-headedness, irritability, and fatigue — has us in its sway, we can hardly recall what it's like to be fully rested. And as the sleep debt mounts, the health consequences increase, putting us at growing risk for weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and memory loss.”

Sleep debt can have a number of causes. In many cases, it is the result of over scheduling, leading to going to bed too late and having to get up too early. In other cases, it may be the result of a sleep disorder, such asinsomnia or sleep apnea. Regardless of the underlying cause, sleep debt can have negative consequences on an individual’s health and well being.

Problems Caused by Lack of Sleep

Sleep deprivation has become a public health and safety epidemic. Lack of sleep has negative consequences for both the individual, and society as a whole. By helping to reduce sleep debt, the impact of these negative consequences can be reduced as well.

Disease and Mortality Rates

As previously mentioned, sleep debt can lead to an increased risk of developing certain diseases and disorders. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion lists sleep deprivation as leading to an increased risk of conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. It also reported an increased risk of death due to the side effects of sleep deprivation.

Accidents Caused by Insufficient Sleep

Lack of sleep can lead to motor vehicle or occupational accidents. The CDC reported on accidents resulting from sleep deprivation, stating, “Sleep is increasingly recognized as important to public health, with sleep insufficiency linked to motor vehicle crashes, industrial disasters, and medical and other occupational errors. Unintentionally falling asleep, nodding off while driving, and having difficulty performing daily tasks because of sleepiness all may contribute to these hazardous outcomes.”

In a separate report, the CDC noted that 2.5% of fatal car crashes, and 2% of non-fatal car crashes were caused by drowsy driving. In an EHS Today article detailing the risks of sleep deprivation on workplace circumstances it was reported that sleep debt can lead to increased risk taking. It was reported, “Brain imaging studies have shown that sleep deprivation was associated with increased activation of brain regions related for risky decision making, while areas that control rationale and logical thinking show lower levels of activation. In fact, sleep deprivation increases one’s expectation of gains while diminishing the implications of losses.”

Help for Sleep Deprivation

If you or a loved one are dealing with sleep deprivation there is hope. You can take action to reduce the rates of sleep deprivation. Contact your local sleep physician today. You can search for your local sleep experts by clicking here!