Happy Monday and welcome back to Sleep Better, Live Better Weekly!

This week we are going to:

• see the results of our daytime sleepiness quiz.
• learn some of the possible causes and implications of daytime sleepiness.
• take a poll on sleep latency.
• have the opportunity to address any fears.

The Results are In!

Last week's poll asked you to share how likely you were to doze off or fall asleep in 8 common situations. The rating scale was:

• No chance of dozing = 0
• Slight chance of dozing = 1
• Moderate chance of dozing = 2
• High chance of dozing = 3

Results:

Sitting and Reading

• No Chance = 33%
• Slight = 22%
• Moderate = 12%
• High = 33%

Watching TV

• No Chance = 0%
• Slight = 56%
• Moderate = 22%
• High = 22%

Inactive in public (e.g.: theater or meeting)

• No Chance = 56%
• Slight = 11%
• Moderate = 33%
• High = 0%

Car Passenger 1 hour+

• No Chance = 44%
• Slight = 12%
• Moderate = 0%
• High = 44%

Lying down in afternoon

• No Chance = 0%
• Slight = 22%
• Moderate = 22%
• High = 56%

Sitting and talking to someone

• No Chance = 89%
• Slight = 11%
• Moderate = 0%
• High = 0%

Sitting quietly after lunch

• No Chance = 44%
• Slight = 22%
• Moderate = 22%
• High = 12%

Driving car, stopped in traffic

• No Chance = 78%
• Slight = 0%
• Moderate = 0%
• High = 22%

I think the biggest takeaway for me was the 78% of you DON'T doze off while stopped in traffic and that was a HUGE issue for me after work!

Bedtime Story

Last week's poll is called the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and was designed to assess levels of sleepiness in typical daytime situations. Doctors may use this test to help identify excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).

EDS can indicate a disruption of daily life - drowsiness in situations where a person typically wants or needs to be awake and alert.

EDS isn't a sleep disorder, but it can be a symptom of one OR another health issue.

At the very least it can impact our focus, concentration and performance at work or school and increase our risk of accidents.

What was your score? 0-10 reflect normal ranges of daytime sleepiness and scores of 10+ are considered excessive. If your score falls in the excessive category, it's recommended you discuss with your medical provider.

If you missed last week's poll, you can take it again below.

Sleep Study

Participate in this week's quiz where you will rate your typical "sleep latency". In other words, how long it takes you to fall asleep. It's totally anonymous! You'll get to share your input on this topic and see the overall results in next week's email.

Sleep Better

Some of you may have felt resistant to take the daytime sleepiness assessment because you really don't want to know if you have a problem. This is a totally normal human reaction because our brains like to keep us safe and if there's no problem, we're safe - right?

Well, if we don't KNOW there's a problem, then we can THINK we're safe, but that's pretty much like putting the pillow over your head and pretend you can't hear your mom telling you it's time to get up for school.

THIS WEEK: If you have excessive daytime sleepiness, are worried how it may be impacting your life, but are afraid to do anything about it, I'd love to coach you on this topic. Schedule a complimentary 30-minute session today and let's talk.

Until next week...sleep tight!

Betsy

Let’s keep in touch!

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