Science of Sleep: Health Story

Aired on Lifetime Television for Women
Sunday, October 1 and December 17
Show 325

"I was always tired," says Sharon Lane, a mother and nurse who was finally diagnosed with sleep apnea. Almost 74 percent of Americans don't get enough sleep. "Sleep apnea is when the throat keeps closing when people try to breathe as they sleep," says Dr. John Winkelman, director at the Sleep Health Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "Sleep is as important as diet and exercise. It's a necessity, not a luxury," says Dr. James B. Maas author of "Power Sleep." But there are as many as 88 different sleep disorders. And those who sleep less are more prone to obesity. "Most people need seven and one-half to eight hours of sleep every night. Teens need nine hours. It's not healthy to try to catch up. Instead you should stay on the same daily schedule," says Dr. Maas. "Not having enough sleep has physical and psychological consequences," says Dr. Winkelman.