There are 84 different kinds of sleep disorders a person can suffer from. The health consequences directly related to these disorders are still exceedingly underestimated. For instance, a recent government-funded study assessed that at least 72,000 of the cardiac deaths that occur annually are attributed to Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This equals roughly 200 deaths per day.

Sleep is as crucial to our life as eating and breathing, however the importance of sleep is often severely underestimated. Sleep disorders affect millions of Americans each day. From snoring to narcolepsy, side effects of poor sleep include depression, a decreased immune system, and impaired memory and thought process.

Sleep promotes the natural cycles of activity in the brain. During sleep the body experiences two different types of sleep: rapid eye movment sleep (REM) and non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM). People typically begin sleep with a period of non-REM, followed by REM sleep.

Without restful, rejuvinating sleep, a person can suffer from a variety of life-debilitating health issues. And, if left untreated, these issues can become life-threatening.

QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES

Those who have a sleep disorder typically suffer physical and mental stress, which affects their ability to be productive members of society. The following are related quality of life complaints: obesity, excessive daytime tiredness, loss of short-term memory, depression, mood swings, and sexual dysfunction.