The hectic lifestyles of many Anguillians have resulted in many individuals being deprived of adequate sleep. Sleep deprivation is one of the most common sleep-related problems seen in Anguilla. Sleep related disorders can have an adverse effect on health and safety as well as mood and behaviour.

Impact of sleep related problems
Sleep related disorders affect a significant number of people across the age spectrum and have a great impact on the entire country.

Sleep related problems include sleep restriction resulting from lifestyle or work-schedule limitations in otherwise healthy individuals, primary sleep disorders, secondary sleep disorders and increase accident rates. Chronic deprivation may decrease job performance; adversely affect the immune response and inflammatory response; and increase accident rates, and mood disturbances.

Learning and memory can be negatively affected by chronic sleep deprivation. There is new data that suggests that chronic sleep restriction can be associated with increased appetite and caloric intake and dietary preferences associated with increased health risk (e.g., high-fat and high-salt diet).

Getting less than six hours a night of sleep can affect coordination, reaction time and judgment. Drivers are especially vulnerable and it is believed that a significant number of motor vehicle accidents are related to lack of adequate sleep.

Are you getting enough sleep?
There is no one set amount of sleep that is best for everyone. People vary greatly in their need for sleep. Recent data suggests that most adults need at least 8 hours of sleep each night to be well rested. Each individual must determine the amount of sleep they need to be fully alert all day long and they should get that amount every night. For some it may be six hours, for other 9 to 10 hours. Individuals should establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it even on weekends. Individuals should go to bed around the same time every night and wake up the same time every day.

Sleep deprivation
Many individuals living in Anguilla frequently complain of sleep deprivation. There are many risk factors which include the following:

• Employment and other lifestyle factors

• Alcohol and substance abuse

• Smoking

• Depression

• Chronic medical conditions

• Stressful life events

• Pregnancy and postpartum period

• Menopause

Employment and other lifestyle factors
Many residents of Anguilla have a full daily schedule and opportunities for getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis are very few especially for those individuals who have two or three jobs. Individuals who have shift work have even more problems getting adequate sleep.

Alcohol and substance-use disorders
Almost all drugs of abuse can have adverse effects on sleep. Many drugs of abuse directly affect neurotransmitters known to be involved in sleep-wake regulation.

Alcohol, in addition to its well-recognised medical and psychosocial complications, can have significant adverse effects on sleep. The effects of marijuana on sleep have not been well described.

Smoking
Nicotine found in cigarette smoke is a stimulant and therefore interferes with the ability to fall asleep.

Chronic medical disorders
Medical illness of almost any sort can disrupt sleep. Common disorders known to disrupt sleep include: osteoarthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergic rhinitis and individuals with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Stressful life events
A stressful life event, including psychosocial changes such as a new living environment, spousal bereavement and social isolation can cause sleeping disorders. Other stressful situations can also disrupt sleep, for instance, financial difficulties, caring for an ill family member and relationship difficulties can all result in sleep related disorders.

What are the symptoms of sleep deprivation?
Symptoms of sleep deprivation may vary from one individual to another. Symptoms include the following:
• Exhaustion
• Fatigue
• Lack of energy

If these symptoms are affecting your daily activities on a regular basis you should see your doctor.

Sleep deprivation and teenagers
Sleep deprivation is rampant among teenagers and this puts them at an increased risk of emotional difficulties, poor school performance and accidents. Insufficient sleep has also been shown to cause disciplinary problems, sleepiness in class and poor coordination. Studies have suggested that teenagers require considerable more sleep to perform optimally than do younger children or adults.

Conclusion
Sleep deprivation is a major health problem in several countries including Anguilla. The hectic lifestyles of individuals, along with employment schedules, have contributed to many individuals getting inadequate sleep. Lack of sleep is associated with many serious consequences some of which can be life threatening.

Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr. Brett Hodge is an obstetrician/gynaecologist and family doctor who has over twenty years in clinical practice. Dr. Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.

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