Sleep! It is a Healthy Choice

Sleep!  It is a Healthy Choice

Over 90% of people agree that lack of sleep impairs work performance, increases risk of injury and leads to health problems.

Ref. Sleep in America Poll 2002

March 29-April 4, 2004 is National Sleep Awareness Week and this year the theme is:

Sleep! It's a Healthy Choice

While some people lack enough hours of sleep many people suffer from sleep disorders and are often unaware of the problem, says Dr. John Fleetham of the Canadian Thoracic Society. Sleep apnea, the most common sleep disorder is often called the snoring disease. Snoring may be followed by silent pauses when breathing stops then after a jerk or snort breathing begins again. The pattern continues during sleep and causes daytime sleepiness, higher risk of heart attack and stroke and higher accident risk.

• 6% of adults have sleep apnea
• 1-3% of children are affected by sleep apnea

There is an effective treatment so if you think you or someone you know has sleep apnea seek medical advise.

For more information on sleep visit the following websites:

Sleep Apnea www.lung.ca

National Sleep Foundation www.sleepfoundation.org

National sleep awareness week is a public awareness campaign to promote the importance of quality sleep to wellness, safety and productivity. The campaign coincides with the change to Daylight Saving Time in most provinces and we risk losing an hour of sleep. Sleep is undervalued and not considered productive in our society but we function on less sleep than even five years ago and cannot afford to lose more. Over time serious health problems can develop in those with chronic sleep debt.

With the generous support of the public and the help of our volunteers, we have seen many advances against lung disease. However, our work is not finished. As we look toward our second century, we will continue to strive to make breathing easier for everyone. The Lung Association provides programs of education, community service, advocacy and research. The Lung Association's activities are supported by donations to the Christmas Seals Campaign, Back the Attack on Asthma and Allergies Door-to-Door Campaign, Lung Disease Research Fund appeal, planned gifts and other voluntary contributions.

When you can't breathe, nothing else matters.

Contact Information:

Lung Association of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK
Phone:  (306) 343-9511
Outside Saskatoon 1-888-566-LUNG (5864)