Sleep: What is Normal?

Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep, although some people need less than four and others need more than 10. Sleep patterns often change with the aging process. Infants may sleep up to 16 hours per day, while seniors may experience more disturbed sleep and have a greater need for naps. Daytime naps may disturb nighttime sleep for some people, but for others they are a normal part of a healthy sleep/wake pattern.

Some people fall asleep at times when they should normally be able to stay awake. Sleep disorders frequently involve respiratory and/or neurological problems. The Sleep Disorders Center was developed as part of Thompson Health’s Cardiopulmonary Services. Physicians specializing in sleep medicine, pulmonary otolaryngology, cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology and psychiatry serve in consulting roles for the center.

Sleep Statistics

• 95% of people who have sleep disorders go undiagnosed 
• 70% of these patients indicate that their sleep problem negatively affects their perception of their health and quality of life 
• 28% of the patients who have Attention Deficit Disorder have symptoms of a common sleep disorder, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
• 18 million people in the United States have OSA
• 30% of people with hypertension have OSA
• 29% of people with sleep disorders are depressed
• 38% of obese women have symptoms of a sleep disorder.
• 88% of people with nighttime GERD (gastric reflux) have symptoms of a sleep disorder