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Sleep Disorders Health Center

Sleep Disorders Overview

Need to learn more about sleep disorders? Sleep problems, including snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, sleep deprivation, and restless legs syndrome, are common among millions of Americans. It’s important to understand why sleep is necessary for optimal health, how the natural hormone melatonin affects sleep and wakefulness, and how the different states and stages of sleep impact sleep quality, quantity, and sleep dreams.

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Sleep Apnea Linked to Silent Strokes

A common sleep disorder is associated with an increased risk of symptomless, but serious, strokes called “silent strokes,” German researchers report.

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Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

The amount of sleep a person needs depends on many factors, including age. For example, in general:

  • Infants require about 16 hours a day
  • Teenagers need about 9 hours on average
  • Most adults need 7 to 8 hours a night for the best amount of sleep, although some people may need as few as 5 hours or as many as 10 hours of sleep each day
  • Women in the first 3 months of pregnancy often need several more hours of sleep than usual
Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

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