Sleep is crucial for having a healthy life. Too much or too little sleep can be associated with the overall well-being as well as with a shorter lifespan. According to the Sleep Foundation, those who slept between seven and eight hours, but not less than or more than this range, could expect to add one to three years of longer, healthier lives. On one hand, oversleeping, or sleeping longer than nine hours within a day, can result in chronic diseases or conditions related to cardiovascular problems, obesity, or diabetes.
Many studies have demonstrated the many benefits of getting a good night sleep. Some examples of these benefits are as follows: it improves memory and creativity; normalizes the blood pressure; maintains the right body weight; lowers stress and anxiety; and improves the overall mood of a person.
If you, or someone you know, is one of those experiencing any sleep problems, you can contact the Sleep/Wake Disorders Association of Toronto, a national, non-profit, self-help organization of volunteers dedicated to providing information, practical support, and resources to Canadians with sleep/wake disorders. Such disorders include difficulties falling or staying asleep (insomnia); sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing periodically ceases during sleep; narcolepsy, which is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, recurrent episodes of sleep during the day, and, in some cases, sudden loss of muscle tone (hypotonia) without loss of consciousness (cataplexy).
The Sleep/Wake Disorders Association of Toronto was established in 1981 and currently consisting of approximately 1,000 members, Sleep/Wake Disorders Canada has self-help chapters and contact representatives across Canada to provide local access for affected individuals and family members who seek information and peer support. The organization is committed to providing accurate and timely information on sleep/wake disorders to affected individuals and healthcare professionals; promoting awareness among affected families, medical professionals, and the general public; and promoting and supporting research on the underlying causes of such disorders. Visit their website at sleepwaketoronto.ca to learn more.