It’s No Love Story!
March 11-17th is National Sleep Awareness Week. The experts at Chicago ENT and Chicago Sleep Center are taking the opportunity this week to raise awareness about the importance of sleep and how sleep plays a critical role in our health.
According to the American Sleep Association, between 50-70 million adults in the United States suffer from sleep disorders, which can include obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or narcolepsy. 35.3% of adults report less than 7 hours of sleep during a typical 24-hour period.
However, according to a 2014 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, adults living in Illinois are not obtaining enough sleep. 34.4% of Illinois adults reported sleeping less than 7 hours in a 24-hour period. Adults between the ages of 18-24 reported short durations at 35.8% and adults between the ages of 25-64 were at 36.4%. Sleep deprivation was among the highest for White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Multiracial adults.
The CDC also reports, that many chronic conditions such as heart attacks, stroke, depression, diabetes, asthma, and arthritis, were more common among Illinois adults who sleep less than 7 hours compared to those who are sleeping more than 7 hours per day.
The CDC recommends that both children and adults obtain adequate amounts of sleep to perform their best. Below are the recommend guidelines.
Sleep Needs by Age Group:
- Adult:7 – 9 hours
- Teenager:8 – 10 hours
- Child 6 – 12 years: 9- 12 hours
- Child 3 – 5 years: 10 – 13 hours (including naps)
- Child 1 – 2 years:11 – 14 hours (including naps)
- Infants 4 -12 months:12 – 16 hours (including naps)
“If you spend a good amount of time lying awake at night or frequently nod off during the day, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder,” says Dr. T.K. Venkatesan, board certified Otolaryngologist at Chicago ENT and Chicago Sleep Center. Different sleep disorders can produce similar symptoms, such as excessive sleepiness during the day. “If you have any of the listed symptoms, it’s important to seek the medical advice of a sleep specialist. A sleep specialist can perform special diagnostic testing such as a sleep study to find the root cause of your sleeplessness.
Common symptoms of sleep disorders are:
- Loud or heavy snoring
- Weight gain
- Restless sleep
- Low libido
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Morning headaches
- Feeling unrefreshed
- Irritability
- Restless legs
- Daytime sleepiness
- Depression
Chicago ENT offers world class, board-certified physicians in a comprehensive state-of-the-art environment. Chicago ENT utilizes cutting-edge treatment plans that are tailored to the patient’s needs and lifestyle. Chicago ENT does not believe in a one-size-fits-all medical plan.
Join thousands who have found relief and effective treatment options at Chicago ENT. Call 773-296-5500 for your one-on-one consultation with a world class and board-certified specialist or visit their website for more information at ChicagoENT.com
Chicago Sleep Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). This accreditation assures the highest quality level of care by specially trained physicians and sleep technicians who rigorously follow evidence-based protocols for evaluating and treating sleep disorder patients.
