May is National Sleep Month. Just how big a problem is lack of sleep for America? Consider these statistics:

• The average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night, but over a third of adults get less than that, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• According to the National Sleep Foundation, 74% of all Americans experience some type of sleep problem a few nights a week or more.
• Every year, more than 100,000 car crashes and 1,550 deaths occur as the result of drowsy driving, estimates the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• In one survey, 26.4% of drivers aged 18-65 admitted to “nodding off or falling asleep while driving at least once within the past month,” says the CDC.

If poor sleep quantity and poor sleep quality are ruining your life, here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Am I drinking coffee, tea, soft drinks, or smoking close to bed time?
• Did I exercise less than 3 hours before bed?
• Was I working, watching television or using the computer an hour before bed?
• Is there too much light or noise in my bedroom?
• Do I work irregular shifts that affect my bedtime?
• Do I … snore loudly, stop breathing in the night, fall asleep while engaged in daily activities, have trouble sleeping 3 nights a week or more, feel unpleasant tingling in my legs while trying to sleep, suffer night-time heartburn, sleepwalk, have bad dreams frequently, or wake up in a panicked sweat? These are signs of a possible sleep disorder, so call your doctor!

The most important way to sleep better is to adjust your bedtime habits and leave adequate time to “wind down” at night, experts say. Many people report success with taking yoga classes to learn proper relaxation breathing techniques. Also, to get better sleep quality, you might want to try a Deep Sleep Relaxation Hypnosis audiobook, which can not only help you drift off faster, but can also shift you from one level of sleep to the next so you feel more refreshed when you wake up. If you’re the sort that worries all night or can’t stop thinking, try keeping a journal and writing out all your thoughts, reminders and cares before you put your head to the pillow. In the most severe cases, medical intervention or prescription meds may be needed. What better time to investigate than during National Sleep Month?

Article: Jennn Fusion Twitter: @jennnfusion