When it comes to a Good Night’s Sleep, it’s Quantity

Quality Daylight Savings Equals Sleep Deprivation Losing Just an Hour of Sleep Puts People at Risk for Everything from a Bad Mood to a Car Accident, Sleep Expert Tells You How to Sleep Better Sleep Expert Pete Bils According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 150 million Americans, almost half the population of the United States,say they are not getting enoughsleep. Reasons range from back pain to restlessness to job stress. Add one more reason to the list March 9 is Daylight Savings, when we turn the clocks ahead and lose one hour of sleep. The loss of even one hour of sleep, especially the final hour, impacts how well people function throughout the day. People who are sleep deprived experience a negative affect on their mood, ability tofocus, and risk their personal safety. Research conducted at Queens College in Canada shows that the level of impairment for sleep-deprived drivers is comparable to those who drive drunk. In fact, the number of accidents in Canada increases by approximately 7 percent the Monday after daylight savings.When people deprive themselves of sleep, they suffer acognitive deficit, impairing their motor functions,affecting their reaction time and working productively. And while it is important that we get enough sleep, the quality of the sleep we get is equally significant. Achieving quality sleep is easily within a person’s control. Pete Bils, sleep expert, is available to discuss the physical and mental consequences of losing an hour of sleep. Bils also can provide tips for listeners that will help them not only get a goodnight’s sleep during Daylight Savings; but also sleep well each and every night.