Division of Risk Management State of Florida Loss Prevention Program

 Understand the vital role that sleep plays in keeping us healthy.  Recognize the main kinds of sleep disorders.  Identify a number of techniques and systems that help people sleep.

Exercising right before going to bed helps you sleep. Alcohol is a recommended method of getting better sleep. Most experts recommend that you establish a routine for going to bed. Sleep apnea is a condition associated with sudden daytime drowsiness or sleeping. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1007

 We don’t know exactly.  Essential for healthy life.  Insufficient sleep causes illnesses.  Can be responsible for accidents.  Many have trouble sleeping.

 7.5–8.5 hours.  Enough to wake up easily.

MEMORY LAPSES. IRRITABILITY. COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT. IMPAIRED JUDGMENT. HALLUCINATIONS. DIABETES. HEART DISEASE. ADHD-TYPE SYMPTOMS. REACTION TIME. IMPAIRED IMMUNE SYSTEM.

 Not enough time in bed.  External disturbances.  Sleep disorders.  Other medical conditions.

 Insomnia.  Snoring.

 Sleep apnea.  Restless legs syndrome.  Narcolepsy.

 Overactive bladder.  GERD.  Diabetes mellitus.  Renal failure.  Respiratory diseases.  Immune disorders.  Parkinson’s disease.  Multiple Sclerosis.

Some of the dangers associated with inadequate sleep are: cognitive impairment, memory lapses, impaired moral judgment, and hallucinations. Avoid exercise before going to bed. Restless leg syndrome is the same as sleepwalking. Medical conditions which may cause insomnia include overactive bladder, GERD, diabetes, and renal failure.

Do you understand:  The importance of getting a good night’s sleep?  Sleep disorders that might prevent sleep?  Non-sleep-related medical conditions that might prevent sleep?

 Develop a routine.  Limit bed to sleeping.  Manage light.  Avoid electronics.  Maintain comfortable temperature.  Control noise.

Before bed, avoid:  Stimulants.  Too much food.  Alcohol.  Exercise.

 Avoid looking at the clock in the night.  Get up if you can’t sleep.

 Meditation.  Chamomile tea.  Lavender.  Valerian.  Melatonin.

 Snoring, snorting, gasping.  Constant fatigue.  Difficulty waking up.  If you fall asleep driving or talking.

 Drugs for insomnia: ▪ Ambien ® ▪ Lunesta ® ▪ Rozerem ® ▪ Sonata ®  Take according to directions.

 Sleep patterns change.  Need for sleep does not change.  Reasons for increased insomnia.

Name 3 other medical conditions that might prevent a good night’s sleep. Name 3 indications that you should see a doctor. Insomnia, snoring, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy. Overactive bladder, GERD, diabetes, renal failure, respiratory diseases such as asthma, immune disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple Sclerosis. Snoring, snorting, gasping, constant fatigue, difficulty waking up, and falling asleep while driving or talking. Name 3 sleep disorders.

Do you understand:  The importance of sleep to health?  Sleep disorders and other conditions that can interfere with sleep?  Techniques for sleeping?  When to call your doctor?

 Adequate sleep is critical to health and well-being.  There are many self-help steps you can take to help get a good night’s sleep.  If sleep problems persist, see your healthcare professional.

For more information on this subject, please contact: Division of Risk Management State of Florida Loss Prevention Program (850)