Sleep Deprivation and Health

While you were sleeping…
While we sleep, there's a lot going on in our bodies and our minds. Research shows that sleep is a very active state, and that our bodies naturally cycle between two types of sleep: non-rapid eye movement sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. A normal sleeper will move between non-REM and REM sleep in a predictable pattern throughout the night.  > Learn more about REM Sleep.

How Much Is Enough?
Until Thomas Edison's invention of the light bulb, people slept an average of ten hours a night. Today American adults average between six and seven hours of sleep a night according to some studies. We are working harder and longer hours and still trying to squeeze in time for family, friends and ourselves—too often by cutting back on sleep!   > How much sleep do you really need?

Insomnia?  When to seek Guidance.
Insomnia is characterized by consistent difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, and the resulting daytime drowsiness. Anxiety and irritability may also be present.  > Understanding insomnia.

Additional Resources
For additional information on the science of sleep, sleep problems and healthy sleep, please check out these additional resources.