CDC says nearly 45% of adults in Missouri are sleep deprived at least six days a month

According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost 45-percent of adults in Missouri don't get enough sleep at least six days a month.

Dr. Vernon Rowe of the MidAmerica Neuroscience Institute of Sleep Center says that statistic is very concerning.  He also believes many people sleep even less during the summer because they are traveling more. 

Rowe says lack of sleep can lead to headaches, high blood pressure, weight gain and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.  He says sleep deprivation can also lead to car accidents.  According to specialists, sleep deprived drivers as just as dangerous as drunk drivers.

Dr. Rowe says the average adult should clock seven to nine hours of sleep every night. 

"There's this macho culture of I can get by on six hours, seven hours of sleep... but studies show you aren't as sharp even though you are not aware of it ."

He says having one ounce of alcohol when you are sleep deprived is as bad as 6 ounces when you aren't sleep deprived.

Dr. Rowe says many people believe their number one problem is insomnia or getting to sleep.  But he says it's more common to have problems staying asleep.  Rowe says many people have restless leg syndrome, they snore or their air waves close off (sleep apnea) which wakes them up throughout the night.  

"The demands put on people with the economy as bad as it is, working two to three jobs, life stressers, it's a tremendous problem.  I don't see it getting better but worse," he said.      

Rowe says there are some simple steps you can take to try to remedy sleep problems before you seek professional help.  Try to go to bed at the same time, don't do anything work related right before bed, don't watch anything on t.v. that could get you anxious or nervous and  take a hot bath.

Other doctors recommend avoiding napping, exercising and keep the bedroom distraction free.