February 28, 2007

As part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Daylight Saving Time will now begin the second Sunday in March and end the first Sunday in November of each year. In order to create sleep disorder awareness during this time of year, Hoag Sleep Disorders Center is joining the National Sleep Foundation in its recognition of National Sleep Awareness Week, March 5-11. The goal is to draw attention to the importance of getting quality sleep and, if necessary, getting help for any issues that disrupt this important function.

The switch to Daylight Saving Time affects us all to a certain degree, and, for some, adjusting to the time change is a serious issue. “Studies have actually shown a small but significant increase in the number of traffic accidents on the Monday immediately following the move to daylight saving,” explains Paul Selecky, MD, medical director of Hoag Sleep Disorders Center. “This is just one of the possible consequences of sleep deprivation.”

DST is not the only bandit robbing individuals of sleep; 70 million people in the United States are affected by a sleep disorder.

While creating sleep awareness, Hoag Sleep Disorders Center will also be celebrating its 20th anniversary. The center has been an accredited member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine since 1987.