Persistent sleep deprivation affects nearly 40 million Americans and significantly impacts the lives and families of sufferers.
Sleep disorders increase the risk, and are often the underlying cause of serious medical conditions including heart attack, hypertension, stroke, obesity, diabetes, chronic fatigue, impotence and depression. In addition to medical and health issues, chronic sleep deprivation also interferes with work, driving and social activities.

The magnitude of the problem is so great, the National Institutes of Health [NIH] and other member organizations conduct ongoing research to help prevent, treat and cure sleeping disorders.

Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea [OSA] is the most prevalent sleep disorder. Marked by loud snoring, gasping and choking, the most telling symptom is excessive daytime sleepiness. OSA is caused by the soft tissues of the tongue, palate and back of the throat that temporarily block the airway, making the sleeper to wake and stir in order to star breathing again. Occurring up to several hundred times a night, the natural sleep cycle becomes severely fragmented, denying deep restorative sleep essential to good health. Untreated, obstructive sleep apnea aggravates high blood pressure, increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, automobile and industrial accidents.

Insomnia
Most people will have occasional bouts with insomnia that are usually triggered by stress, anxiety, diet, jet lag and other temporary situations. Insomnia is often a symptom of an underlying medical condition and extended periods of insomnia can lead to serious sleep deficits affecting job performance and general well- being.

Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless Leg Syndrome [RLS] is an unpleasant tingling sensation in the legs and feet and is often described by sufferers as having pin & needles. The urge to move and rearrange the legs to get comfortable inhibits sleep and leads to insomnia. RLS may be related to other medical conditions including anemia, pregnancy and diabetes. Symptoms may develop at any age, but severe RLS is more common in elderly people.

Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep regulation disorder. Affecting nearly a quarter of a million Americans, the primary symptom is sudden onset sleep, or "sleep attacks". Lasting from several seconds to more than 30 minutes, falling asleep at improper times is dangerous to the self and others, especially while driving and operating machinery.