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Don’t Lose Sleep over Insomnia ‘Epidemic’
by
findingDulcinea Staff
The health dangers of insomnia draw increasing media attention. But behind the concern there may be a profit motive.
30-Second Summary
It seems as if commercials for prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids are everywhere.
And according to Discover magazine, the last year has seen a torrent of reports linking insomnia to such problems as obesity, road rage, acne, memory loss, marital problems and high blood pressure.
But Discover writer Bruno Maddox questions whether insomnia is really the public health hazard it is made out to be.
While investigating these news stories, Maddox finds that much of the “scientific” research on which they are based was conducted by the National Sleep Foundation—a company “with ties to drug companies looking to market their products by alerting the public to the dangers of insomnia.”
The American Academy of Family Physicians further deflates the insomnia hype, stating that it is “not really a serious problem … but it can make you feel tired, depressed and irritable.”
The National Institutes of Health has also weighed in, however, saying more research is needed into the effects of lack on public health.
The drug companies that produce sleep medications continue to market their products aggressively. According to Mother Jones magazine, this has some doctors wondering whether Madison Avenue is creating a “blockbuster” out of only “moderately useful drugs.”
Whatever the case, sleeplessness and insomnia are real health conditions that people face. But there are a number of non-pharmaceutical remedies available that, according to New York Times reporter Tara Parker-Pope, work as well as their pharmaceutical counterparts.
Plus, there may be some good news. A new study from the University of Maryland suggests Americans are actually getting more sleep on average in recent years than they have in the past.
And according to Discover magazine, the last year has seen a torrent of reports linking insomnia to such problems as obesity, road rage, acne, memory loss, marital problems and high blood pressure.
But Discover writer Bruno Maddox questions whether insomnia is really the public health hazard it is made out to be.
While investigating these news stories, Maddox finds that much of the “scientific” research on which they are based was conducted by the National Sleep Foundation—a company “with ties to drug companies looking to market their products by alerting the public to the dangers of insomnia.”
The American Academy of Family Physicians further deflates the insomnia hype, stating that it is “not really a serious problem … but it can make you feel tired, depressed and irritable.”
The National Institutes of Health has also weighed in, however, saying more research is needed into the effects of lack on public health.
The drug companies that produce sleep medications continue to market their products aggressively. According to Mother Jones magazine, this has some doctors wondering whether Madison Avenue is creating a “blockbuster” out of only “moderately useful drugs.”
Whatever the case, sleeplessness and insomnia are real health conditions that people face. But there are a number of non-pharmaceutical remedies available that, according to New York Times reporter Tara Parker-Pope, work as well as their pharmaceutical counterparts.
Plus, there may be some good news. A new study from the University of Maryland suggests Americans are actually getting more sleep on average in recent years than they have in the past.
Headline Links: Is the insomnia epidemic bogus?
Bruno Maddox questions whether insomnia really is the epidemic it has been made out to be, or if the companies who sell sleep aids are simply pushing that message. The National Sleep Foundation, according to a 2005 tax return, received about $2.3 million from pharmaceutical companies that make prescription drugs for sleeplessness. Most of that money was spent educating the public.
Source: Discover Magazine
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians’ insomnia guide, “It’s not really a serious problem for your health, but it can make you feel tired, depressed and irritable. It can also make it hard to concentrate during the day.”
Source: American Academy of Family Physicians
Background: Ads push medications while U.S. NIH calls for more research
In a 2005 article from newsmagazine Mother Jones, doctors wonder whether the rise of prescription sleeping pills is similar to that of antidepressants: “moderately useful drugs turned into blockbusters by aggressive marketing.”
Source: Mother Jones
The U.S. National Institutes of Health gathered a group of experts together in 2005 to discuss insomnia. The consensus was that more research was needed. Specifically, the group concluded that there has not been enough research into insomnia’s impact on public health and the economy. The group also said that there have been no studies into the connection between insomnia and premature death.
Source: National Institutes of Health
Reference: Better sleep tips, insomnia and sleep guides
In her blog, New York Times reporter Tara Parker-Pope writes about a number of studies suggesting that behavioral techniques work as well as pharmaceutical remedies at curing insomnia. “The behavioral strategies for better sleep are deceptively simple, and that’s one reason why many people don’t believe they can make a difference,” she wrote. Techniques include not watching television in bed and turning the bedside clock around: “Watching time pass is one of the worst things to do when you’re trying to fall asleep.”
Source: The New York Times
FindingDulcinea has a guide to sleep that offers the best links for finding information about the causes of, and treatments for, insomnia and other sleeping disorders.
Source: findingDulcinea
Americans sleep habits are improving
According to a new study from the University of Maryland, Americans' sleep habits may be improving, despite popular opinion that hectic work schedules and family lives get in the way of a proper night's rest. "Many Americans work too much, but most do not seem to be cutting corners on their sleep to do so," said John P. Robinson, who led the study.
Source: The Washington Post (free subscription may be required)
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