If you have trouble sleeping, you're not alone. More than three-quarters of people with heart disease reported having trouble sleeping in a recent survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation. A similar percentage of those with hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis also reported trouble sleeping. Health problems are associated with sleep disturbances such as insomnia (trouble falling asleep), staying asleep, waking too early, and waking up feeling un-refreshed.

The poll of about 1,000 adults found that a majority of American adults (69%) doesn't get the recommended eight hours of sleep needed for good health, safety and optimum performance. Nearly one in three gets less than seven hours of sleep on week nights. One in five reported being so sleepy during the day that it interferes with their daily activities as often as a few times a week.

The National Sleep Foundation reminds us that sacrificing sleep is unhealthy and counterproductive, that a good night's sleep is a necessity, not a luxury. Sleep problems may be a sign of a serious sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about the many treatments available that might help.

Related information Heart-healthy living