Sleep not only is crucial for health, but also is developing into a growing field of research ? and a major industry.
But in the scheme of scientific research, sleep remains a baby.
“The public is really starting to catch on, and we?re starting to realize sleep really affects our whole well-being,” said Dr. Michael Smith, director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
This weekend, thousands of sleep specialists, psychologists and sleep product marketers will converge on Baltimore for Sleep 2008, the 22nd annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.
Running through Thursday at the Convention Center, the Sleep meeting attracts the largest audience of sleep specialists in the nation. The 5 1/2-day convention features meetings and scientific sessions and an exhibition hall on sleep medicine and sleep research.
Sleep deprivation impairs the body?s ability to process pain, and insomnia contributes to mental disorders such as depression and physical illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, Smith said.
The awareness is bringing more Americans in for treatment who otherwise wouldn?t, said Dr. Robert Lehman, of Pikesville. About 36 percent of Americans suffer insomnia, with about 9 percent experiencing a chronic lack of sleep. Typically, only 5 percent talk to their doctors about it.
Nowadays, there?s less excuse to avoid treatment, he said. “The drugs we have now are less addictive and have fewer problems associated with long-term use.”
Although the availability of every type of sleep aid is growing, from herbal and vitamin supplements to mattresses running thousands of dollars, patients should check with their doctors first, Smith said.
“There?s 100 or more sleep disorders out there,” he said. “Just buying a $1,000 mattress may not work for you. But done in concert with medical evaluation and treatment, they can be very useful.”
Get involved:
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bayview are conducting several studies on sleep and older adults.
If you are over the age of 50 and are a good sleeper or you have trouble sleeping, please call us to find out more.
All study procedures are free of charge and compensation is provided.
For information, call 410-550-9057 or visit www.sleeplessinbalimore.com.
The growing market for sleep
1. Room darkening blinds block the light that robs the quality of your sleep, blocking 99-100% of visible light – Average Price: $80 to $90 per window
2. Sleep Number Beds
“Only a Sleep Number bed lets you find the Sleep Number setting that?s perfect for you.” – Average Price: $1,000
3. Memory Foam mattresses
Viscoelastic material redistributes weight and surface pressure to relieve discomfort. – $499 to $1,399
Memory Foam Mattress toppers – $109 to $229
4. Sound blocking earplugs
Hearos Earplugs – $20
Skull Screws Ear Plugs – $5.99
5. Sound machines
Marpac SleepMate 980 – $60
Sound Oasis Travel Sound Therapy – $90
Resound Lx18 Active Noise Canceling headset – $90
6. White Noise CD
Obus Forme White Noise Nature Sound – $30
TravelMate White Noise Sleep CD – $9.95
7. Sleep-Improving Pillow Wedge by Hammacher Schlemmer – $59.95
8. Sweet Dreams Contoured Sleep Mask – $6.95
