MMWR – Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

1. National Sleep Awareness Week — March 7–13, 2011 (Box)

CDC Division of News and Electronic Media
(404) 639-3286

No summary available.

2. Unhealthy Sleep-Related Behaviors — 12 States, 2009

CDC Division of News and Electronic Media
(404) 639-3286

This report is based upon findings from a new optional sleep module added to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 2009. A new report found that among 74,571 adult respondents in 12 states, more than a third (35.3 percent) reported less than seven hours of sleep during a typical 24-hour period, nearly half (48.0 percent) reported snoring, and in the preceding month, more than a third (37.9 percent) reported unintentionally falling asleep during the day at least once, and one in 20 (4.7 percent) reported nodding off or falling asleep while driving at least once. The assessment of nodding off or falling asleep while driving (drowsy driving) is new for CDC surveillance surveys. Drowsy driving has been estimated responsible for 1,550 fatalities and 40,000 nonfatal injuries annually in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Estimates of nodding or falling asleep while driving in the preceding month ranged from 3.0 percent (Illinois) to 6.4 percent (Hawaii, Texas). Geographic variations were found with a higher reported prevalence of unhealthy sleep behaviors in Hawaii. Chronic sleep loss and sleeping disorders are common among U.S. adults (an estimated 50–70 million adults). The National Sleep Foundation suggests seven to nine hours of sleep per night for adults. Unhealthy sleep behaviors are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and are associated with chronic diseases (obesity) and health risk behaviors. Continued public health surveillance of sleep quality, duration, behaviors, and disorders is needed to monitor sleep difficulties and their impact on health. Increased public awareness and education and training in sleep medicine for healthcare professionals is also needed.

3. Effect of Short Sleep Duration on Daily Activities — United States, 2005–2008

CDC Division of News and Electronic Media
(404) 639-3286

This report examines the prevalence of short sleep duration (less than seven hours per night) and six sleep-related difficulties among U.S. adults. The age-adjusted prevalence of sleeping less than seven hours was 37.1 percent. The most prevalent sleep-related difficulties were difficulty concentrating (23.2 percent) or remembering things (18.2 percent) because of being sleepy or tired, while 8.6 percent had difficulty performing employed or volunteer work. Adults who regularly slept less than seven hours were more likely to report all of the sleep-related difficulties than those who slept seven to nine hours. Obtaining adequate sleep would likely lead to improvements in daily functioning.

 

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES