Geographic Location Could Affect Prevalence of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders affect millions of people from all walks of life.  Studies have shown that sleep disorders vary according to region.  Factors leading to such a trend may include differences in stress and anxiety in different locations. Researchers have found that being stressed and anxious can lead to insomnia and other sleep problems.  They are now also in the beginning stages of studying how location might also affect someone’s ability to get a good night’s rest.
A study completed by a team from the University of Pennsylvania has concluded that those who live in the Western part of the United States are sleeping more soundly than those from other areas.  People from Alabama, Oklahoma, Mississippi, West Virginia and Arkansas had reported more sleep disorders.
A total of 157,319 persons across 36 states acted as test subjects of the study. They were asked about their sleep habits during interviews.  The conclusion of the study was published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. It was deduced that availability of medical facilities like sleep centers played a large role in why some people had fewer or no sleep problems.
It was clear in the study that where a person resides in the U.S. plays a big role in getting a good sleep.  Michael Grander, the team lead of the research study, said that disturbed sleep is a major public health issue, but that geographic distribution of sleep disorders is a topic mostly unexplored. Grander currently studies factors that may play a role in why some specific states or regions get better sleep.
Grander also advised people to pay particular attention to sleep patterns and whether they’re getting enough sleep. This is something that should not be taken for granted since other health issues can arise from sleep deprivation.

The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep

So many individuals take sleep for granted because they are unaware of the benefits afforded to those who get enough sleeping hours every night.

• The body is just like a machine. It needs time for relaxation and rest.  Organ systems need to slow down in order to prevent overworking. This can only be accomplished when we lie down and sleep.  Sleep allows our organs to heal and replenish energy.  Sleep-deprived organs do not function well.
• Concentration is also enhanced after enough sleep. Attentiveness is crucial during daytime activities like school and work. Analytical skills and general performance are improved once, on a nightly basis, a person can achieve enough sleep.
• When the bodily functions are healthy, other health issues like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and others are less likely to occur. If such illnesses already exist, then sleeping properly will prevent them from progressing and becoming more dangerous.

There are countless values of sleeping 6 to 8 hours at night.  That is why sleep disorders like insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea and others should be given attention immediately.  The high number of sleep labs all over the United States is only one indicator of how many American citizens have trouble sleeping. Studies like the U Penn study are important, and they remind us that sleep-related health problems should be given more attention to avoid the onset of more health problems. Readers can always visit a sleep doctor to find out if they suffer from any sleep disorders.