The latest research on sleep is raising big questions about the health of a growing number of Americans who are not getting a good night’s sleep.
In 1910 the average American got nine hours of sleep per night compared to today’s average of seven hours. This is causing major problems, as sleep loss last year in the U.S. cost over $70 billion in lost productivity and accounted for 38,000 deaths.
There are many factors that contribute to sleep loss. But one big factor is very likely caffeine. Our obsession with caffeine in this country is making some Americans feel sleep is unnecessary.
Today 167 million Americans are coffee drinkers, consuming 6.3 billion gallons per year. That equals out to 3.4 cups per day per drinker. Worse than that is the amount of caffeinated soft drinks that are consumed in this country. In 2011 we drank 15.3 billion gallons of soda, which equals 574 cans for every man, woman, and child.
Caffeine is like all other drugs in its effects on the brain. A first-time coffee drinker will feel a buzz with as little as 20 mg of caffeine. That is the amount in just one and a half cups of coffee. However, an experienced coffee drinker may need over 1,200 mg for the same effect, leading to hypertension, jitteriness, and sleeplessness. In fact, physical dependence can occur in just three days of caffeine intake.
At CORE Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we want to help our patients in Roanoke, Botetourt County, Salem, Vinton, and all of Southwest Virginia achieve their health and wellness goals the natural way. Often times these goals are inhibited by sleep loss. If you are experiencing sleep loss, try to cut down or cut out caffeine. It may be difficult, but the sleep and health benefits you will gain will far outweigh any difficulty.
Come back and visit our blog as Chiropractor Dr. Daryl Rich continue this blog series on sleep. Also, email us to reserve your spot at our FREE Sleep Class Thursday, December 13, at 6:00pm. This class will cover how to get the best night’s rest and how foods, stress, Vitamin D deficiencies, and other daily habits rob us of restful sleep. Special guest speaker Lee Carter of Sleep Essentials will discuss how to pick out a good mattress and why your mattress may be making you fat.
Sleep Specials
All sleep aids are 15% off through December 13: Pillows, GABA, Melatonin, and Vitamin D3.
