August 02 2004 at 05:16AM |
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| By Patrick Leeman | |
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Sleep deprivation problems, sleep disorders and mood swings caused by lack of sleep are costing the country hundreds of millions of rands a year, according to the Chairman of the Sleep Society of South Africa, Dr Kevin Rosman.
Speaking in Durban during the national conference of the society, he said sleeping problems were not being taken seriously by commerce and industry with the exception of the mining sector.
Government departments, with the exception of Transnet, also did not realise the enormous negative implications of sleep disorders in terms of sick leave, medical "boarding" and accidents involving machinery or transport.
The pharmaceutical industry was making millions of rands every year through the sale of sleeping tablets, yet it had not contributed financially to any research into sleep patterns in South Africa, he said.
"Between 10 and 30 percent of members of the public have a sleeping disorder, including insomnia," he said.
Often general practitioners, not thoroughly updated in the area of sleep problems, were referring patients for treatment which was inappropriate for their needs.
Dr Magiel Prins, of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State, said 16 percent of people with a sleep disorder developed some type of cardiovascular disease.
Sleeping on one's side, losing weight, cutting out smoking and reducing alcohol intake could significantly improve the condition known as sleep apnea, a disruption of the physical airway.
- This article was originally published on page 2 of The Mercury on August 02, 2004
