Sleep Disorders Need Study

Both the quality and quantity of sleep are important. Sleeping poorly or not getting enough can adversely affect mental and physical health, reduce performance and increase the likelihood of illness.

The Finnish Sleep Federation says that its studies show that 10 % to 15% of all Finnish adults get too little sleep. Sleep deprivation is a common problem especially common among those working a lot of overtime or who work varying shifts.

Christer Hublin, a neurological specialist at the Finnish Institute of Occupational health says that sleeping medications are used to excess in Finland to deal with the problem. Instead, the reasons for insomnia should also be examined before any treatment is undertaken.

Figures from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland show that around a quarter of a million Finns annually file for insurance reimbursement for prescription sleeping medication. The frequency of use among the population is slightly higher than in the other Nordic countries.

In order to focus attention on the problem, the Finnish Sleep Federation has declared a national "Sleep Week" lasting through this coming Saturday.