Economic Insomnia?
By: Jean Elle, KNTV
Updated: March 26, 2009
From budget cuts to job cuts it seems like you can't escape bad economic news, and that has lots of folks tossing and turning.
Doctors say they are seeing a huge spike in economic insomnia.
A new poll from the National Sleep Foundation reveals one-third of Americans say the economy has them tossing and turning.
Abilene doctors agree. Click here.
Sleep specialists say a few restless nights can create real health nightmares.
"They have difficulty focusing, difficulty concentrating, they have short term memory loss," explained Dr. Clete Kushida.
Reaction times diminish.
Some people who don't sleep enough gain weight.
Doctors say managing your sleep may help you doze off.
They suggest you set a consistent bed and wake up time, don't nap, and before bed avoid bright lights, TV and computers.
Also don't drink caffeine or alcohol before turning in and try making a worry list.
Write your worries down two to three hours before bed, so they don't flood your mind when your head hits the pillow.
Sleep specialists say the worst thing you can do is ignore consistent sleep problems.
They suggest talking with your doctor about a sleep aid to help brake the sleepless cycle.
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