Poor Sleep Challenging the Health of a Nation

Sleep is integral to the health and well-being of all people. Sleep disorders are on the rise and affect millions of people in America. Misconceptions about sleep are prevalent, and the negative effects of poor sleep on society are underrepresented. The goal of this study is to investigate and report the effects of poor sleep on society. Information is obtained through a systematic review of current literature, including journal articles, books, and reports. Multiple themes emerged from the literature review relative to poor sleep and societal impacts. These themes include major disasters related to insufficient sleep, performance and productivity, stress, drowsy driving, substance use and abuse, mortality and morbidity, overall health and wellbeing, effects on healthcare systems, and economic costs. Poor sleep decreases human productivity and performance, and increases mortality and morbidity. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that poor sleep costs America billions of dollars each year and greatly compromises public safety and health. Possible solutions to the Nation's sleep problem may begin with promoting education and awareness of sleep disorders and their negative societal impact, research in sleep medicine, as well as public education about healthy sleep. The beginnings of these solutions lie in the hands of healthcare workers and educational institutions. Interventions in the form of questionnaires have been validated as effective in determining a person's risk of sleep apnea. The STOP-BANG questionnaire is one such intervention that may be useful by allied health professionals to assist in patient screening of sleep apnea.