Approximately 70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems.

USA Today (6/23, Hellmich) reports on the health problems associated with a lack of sleep. Approximately “70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, shift-work sleep disorder or narcolepsy, as well as sleep disturbances associated with many diseases, mental illnesses and addictions, according to the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, part of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.” Michael Twery, director of the center, said, “That’s a conservative estimate when it comes to the number of people with sleep disorders or those who have difficulty sleeping.” Twery added, “There are more than 70 sleep disorders.” USA Today adds, “Many people think taking the time to get sufficient sleep is being lazy and a waste of time, but they could be performing so much better if they were well-rested, she says” CDC epidemiologist Anne Wheaton.