Childhood Money Troubles Lead to Insomnia Later

Times of financial uncertainty are understandably cause for insomnia. Worry about how to pay the mortgage and put food on the table kept many women awake in bed during the height of the recession in late 2008.

In 20 years, many of their children will struggle to sleep, regardless of their financial state. Growing up in a family with financial difficulties raises the risk of insomnia later in life, a new study found.

The findings published in the September issue of the journal Sleep Medicine shows how difficult economic times can affect us our entire lives.

The study surveyed 8960 government employees in Helsinki, Finland about their economic circumstances and quality of sleep. The economic portion of the survey addressed childhood and current economic difficulties, education, occupation, household income and years lived in current home. Responders who complained of difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep or getting unrestful sleep had insomnia in the study.

Statistical analysis shows both men and women who had childhood economic difficulties had more frequent complaints of insomnia than their peers. Oddly, current economic conditions affected the sleep of women but not men.

Insomnia stemming from past economic problems affects the rich and the poor. The authors report the findings were the same regardless of level of education, tax bracket, age, marital status.

The study doesn’t provide an explanation for the phenomenon because statistical analysis can’t demonstrate causality.

You can’t control the past or the forces influencing the world economy, but you can control your insomnia. Learn how you can improve your sleep hygiene at Sleepeducation or see a sleep specialist at an AASM Accredited sleep center for cognitive-behavioral therapy.

An Economic Upturn for Makers of Sleeping Pills

Another sign that the economy is affecting our sleep: We’re taking more sleeping pills.

Advertising Age reports that sleeping-pill prescriptions increased seven percent last year. Sales rose even though ad spending dropped by hundreds of millions of dollars.

Sepracor had revenues of $161.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2008 from sales of Lunesta. This was up from $149.8 million for the same quarter in 2007. Full-year revenues were a little more than $600 million in both 2007 and 2008.

But sales aren’t up across the board.

Fourth-quarter net sales of Ambien CR (controlled release) in the U.S. were $170 million for sanofi-aventis. This was down from $190 million in the same quarter of 2007. Full-year sales dropped from $751 million in 2007 to $681 million in 2008.

Full-year net sales for Ambien IR (immediate release) fell to $125 million in 2008. The sanofi-aventis patent for this drug expired in April 2007. Many other companies then received FDA approval to sell less expensive, generic versions of Ambien.

The Boston Globe points out two other reasons why prescriptions may be up.

One reason has to do with safety. Older types of sleeping pills were limited to short-term use for one or two weeks. There was a risk that long-term use could cause addiction. There also was a risk that your body would develop a tolerance to the drug.

But sleeping pills introduced in the last two decades are considered to be safer. Ambien CR, Lunesta and Rozerem all have been approved for long-term use.

A study in the journal Sleep in 2008 found that regular use of Ambien CR for six months is safe and effective. The study was funded by sanofi-aventis.

In 2007 a study in the journal Sleep confirmed the long-term effectiveness of Lunesta. A nightly dose of 3 mg remained effective after six months. The study was funded by Sepracor.

A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine in 2007 showed that nightly use of Rozerem was safe and effective over five weeks. The study was funded by Takeda.

The Globe also reports that more doctors are taking insomnia seriously. They recognize that treatment can promote both physical and mental health.

In 2008 a study in the journal Sleep affirmed that primary insomnia is a legitimate disorder. It linked primary insomnia to low levels of the brain chemical GABA. Many of the most effective sleeping pills increase brain activity at the GABA neurons. The study was funded in part by Sepracor.

Read the Guidelines for Taking Sleep Medications from the AASM.

America is Still Sleeping, More or Less

Today the National Sleep Foundation released the results of its 2009 Sleep in America Poll. It shows how a random sample of 1,000 American adults responded to a survey in the fall.

How are we doing? On average, Americans could use a little more sleep.

Respondents reported sleeping an average of 6.7 hours per night on weekdays for the past two weeks. This is down slightly from the 6.8 hours reported in the 2005 poll.

More people reported sleeping eight or more hours per night than in 2005. But more people also reported sleeping less than six hours nightly.

Individual sleep needs vary from one person to another. But the AASM recommends that most adults need about seven to eight hours of nightly sleep.

In the poll about 55 percent of people reported that they were getting at least seven hours of sleep during the week. On weekends this figure rose to 68 percent.

This is similar to what the CDC has reported. From 2004 to 2006 about 63 percent of U.S. adults reported sleeping for seven to eight hours in a typical 24-hour period.

In the 2009 Sleep in America Poll about 27 percent of people also said that the economy is keeping them awake. Concerns include personal finances, employment and health care.

Studies show that such complaints are common. At any time roughly 30 percent of adults have symptoms of insomnia.

But insomnia causes daytime problems in only about 15 to 20 percent of people. Less than 10 percent of people are likely to have an ongoing, long-term case of insomnia.

So how Americans are sleeping is all over the map. But what about you? In this cloud of numbers, where do you fit?

Maybe you’re one of the people who needs a little more sleep. Perhaps you can turn off the TV or the computer 30 minutes earlier at night. Do you think you would notice a difference if you began to “sleep for seven”?

Or maybe you have a problem that prevents you from sleeping well. Insomnia. Sleep apnea. Restless legs. Or one of the many other sleep disorders. In this case it may be time for you to contact an AASM-accredited sleep center for help.

Tonight, don’t worry about America. Focus on getting the sleep that you need instead.

President’s Address: Economy is the “Source of Sleepless Nights”

Last night President Obama gave his first address to a joint session of Congress. As expected, it was dominated by talk of the economy.

Early in his remarks the president noted one side effect of the struggling economy: It’s keeping us awake at night.

“You don’t need to hear another list of statistics to know that our economy is in crisis, because you live it every day. It’s the worry you wake up with and the source of sleepless nights.”

Research shows that the president may be right. There is a connection between financial struggles and sleep problems.

In January we described how women who report financial strain have more sleep complaints. They also spend a greater percentage of time awake while in bed.

Another study shows that ongoing financial strain has a similar effect on the elderly. They also spend more time awake while in bed.

A study of farmers shows that economic concerns also can be severe for people involved in seasonal work. Many of the farmers suffered from sleep deprivation during peak seasons. This sleep loss was linked to worries about cash flow.

A new study shows that unemployment is another economic concern that can affect sleep. It found a strong independent association between sleep problems and unemployment.

In January the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 7.6 percent. About 11.6 million people were without a job.

Worrying about the economy can cause insomnia, which is the most common sleep complaint. About one-third of adults report having insomnia symptoms.

A stressful event such as a job loss or a pay cut can cause adjustment insomnia. It often occurs along with anxiety, worry, sadness or depression. You also may be unable to stop thinking about the problem.

The good news is that adjustment insomnia tends to last for only a few days. Sometimes it may linger for a few weeks. Normal sleep returns when the stressful event has passed or you have adapted to it.

About 10 percent of adults have chronic insomnia that lasts for more than a month. It can affect how you function during the day.

Get help for chronic insomnia at an AASM-accredited sleep center near you.

White House photo 2/24/09 by Pete Souza

Are You in a Sleep Recession?

It was no shock when economists finally determined that the U.S. economy is in recession. Our wallets and investments have been taking a pounding. So has our sleep.

Surveys by groups such as Amway Global Wellness Index, Compass Bank and ComPsych Corporation have all reported the same trend: The economy is keeping people awake at night.

A new study in the Jan. 1 issue of the journal Sleep takes a closer look. The study of 370 women links financial strain to decreased sleep quality and lower "sleep efficiency."

Women reporting financial strain had more sleep complaints. They also spent a greater percentage of time awake while in bed. "Financial strain" meant the women had trouble paying for basics like food, housing and medical care.

Economists expect things to get worse in 2009. So how can you fight insomnia during difficult times?

First you need to give yourself a break from the bad news. Turn off the TV and the radio, and get away from the computer. Spend some time relaxing and doing something that you enjoy.

Make sure you follow the principles of good sleep hygiene. Avoid caffeine and alcohol late in the day. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times every day.

When problems persist, seek help at an AASM-accredited sleep center. A board-certified sleep specialist will determine the best treatment option for you.

One option is cognitive behavioral therapy. It helps you develop habits and a mindset that promotes good sleep. Your doctor also may prescribe a medication that can help you break the cycle of sleepless nights.

How about you? Are your worries about the economy keeping you awake at night?