Insomnia Can Cause Accidents

According to the National Institutes of Health, insomnia affects more than 70 million Americans. The estimated medical costs for the treatment of insomnia is nearly $14 billion annually. Indirect costs such as work loss, property damage from accidents and transportation to and from healthcare providers, are estimated to be $28 billion. Insomnia impairs daytime functions. It can contribute to motor vehicle accidents and industrial accidents. Each year drowsy or sleep deprived drivers cause at least 100,000 accidents and according to the Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that at least 1550 Americans die each year in related traffic accidents.

The average American spends an estimated 4 hours a week working from home in addition to their regular 9-5 job. Many of us are faced with ever mounting family obligations, some may have small children or elderly parents to take care of in addition to our significant other, our work schedules and extra activities such as running your kids to ballet, soccer, football, or baseball practice just to name a few, In addition we have the errands to run such as grocery shopping and banking. Then there are the meals to cook, homework to be accomplished, time devoted to your elderly parents who may be living with us and time spent doing the everyday chores such as laundry; cleaning and general maintenance of your home. You also have to set aside time for your spouse. There is little time left for the all necessary sleep that our bodies require.

Try to get a good night sleep, eliminate noise and light from your sleeping area. If you need to draw your blinds or wear a sleep mask to block out the light. Make and effort to turnoff your television set, radio or computer or anything else that may make noise to disturb your sleep. Take a hot bath before you are ready to retire. Try to avoid stressful conversations before you retire, don't try to go to sleep angry or upset. Get a comfortable mattress, it works wonders.