Each individual has a specific daily sleep requirement. This is the amount of sleep that must be obtained each day on the average to avoid becoming sleep deprived. If the needed amount is not obtained, the lost sleep accumulates progressively as a larger and larger sleep indebtedness.
- William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D
Each individual has a specific daily sleep requirement. This is the amount of sleep that must be obtained each day on the average to avoid becoming sleep deprived. If the needed amount is not obtained, the lost sleep accumulates progressively as a larger and larger sleep indebtedness.
- William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D
I firmly believe the answer is unhealthy sleep. In my lexicon, unhealthy sleep includes chronic sleep deprivation as well as sleep disorders. Therefore, my answer to the question is pervasive sleep deprivation and undiagnosed and untreated or misdiagnosed and mistreated sleep disorders collectively are American’s largest, deadliest and most costly health problem.
- William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D
Very much so. It is likely that every reader will know someone who snores very loudly. This is the cardinal symptom of the obstructive sleep apnea. While not everyone that snores has obstructive sleep apnea, all snorers do have disordered breathing during sleep, an impairment that has the potential of becoming a serious medical concern.
- William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D