MaryAnn Ford
COH321 – Health Behavior
February 2017
Insufficient sleep within the United States present a high prevalence in our society. According to the CDC (2017), 35.2% of
U.S adults report insufficient sleep. The CDC reports that highest percentages were found in the southeastern states and the lowest
percentages were in the Great Plains States. (CDC, 2017). Those 65 years or older only reported 26.3% received insufficient sleep.
Surprisingly, there was not much of a differential of insufficient sleep prevalence between men and women. The highest prevalence
among age groups were those ranging in their mid 40s and mid 50s at 39%, followed by 35-44 year old’s at 38.3% and 25-64 year
old’s at 37.9%. The CDC reports that Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders had the highest prevalence of insufficient sleep at 46.3%. The
lowest prevalence was found among the Caucasian race/ethnicity. Those who received insufficient sleep were more likely to be obese,
physically inactive, and current smokers. The CDC also reports that those with chronic health conditions contribute to being a risk
factor of receiving insufficient sleep. Some of these chronic health conditions include heart attack, coronary heart disease, stroke,
asthma, COPD, Cancer, Arthritis, Depression, Chronic kidney disease, sleep apnea and diabetes. Another risk factor contributing to
insufficient sleep include those who work long work hours, night shift workers and rotating shift workers. According to Claire C.
Caruso (2014), “Shift work and long work hours increase the risk for reduced performance on the job, obesity, injuries, and a wide
range of chronic diseases.” Insufficient sleep is also a risk factor for drowsy driving which has contributed to an annual average of
83,000 vehicle crashes, 37,000 injury crashes and 886 fatal crashes between 2005 and 2009. In 2014, there were 846 fatalities.
MaryAnn Ford
COH321 – Health Behavior
February 2017
Approximately 1 out of 25 adults aged 18 years and older surveyed reported that they had fallen asleep while driving in the past 30
day (CDC, 2017).
As previously discussed, insufficient sleep can be a risk factor for chronic diseases such as mood gastrointestinal issues.
Possible mechanisms for gastrointestinal disturbances include disturbances to circadian rhythms involved in eating and digesting food,
sleep deprivation leading to stress response, changes in immune function. (Caruso, 2014). Receiving adequate sleep is necessary to
fight off infections and support the metabolism of sugar to prevent diabetes as well. Those with chronic disabilities and disorders that
