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ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP?
Sleep is one of your body's first defenses against stress — along with adequate nutrition and physical exercise. Most people need 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Unfortunately, many of us don't get that on a regular basis.
Not getting enough sleep can be serious. According to an article in the Journal of American College Health, sleepiness may cause over 35% of motor vehicle deaths.
Test your current sleep habits with the quick inventory below (the Epworth Sleepiness Scale).
Using the scale below, rate your likelihood of dozing while engaging in the following activities.
0=never doze
1=slight chance of dozing
2=moderate chance of dozing
3=high chance of dozing
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Score
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Activity
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sitting and reading
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watching TV
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sitting inactive in a public place (meeting or theater)
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as a passenger in a car for an hour without a break
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laying down to rest in the afternoon
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sitting and talking to someone
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sitting quietly after lunch (when you've had no alcohol)
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in a car stopped in traffic
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Add your total. Interpretation Scale:
0-6: You are probably getting adequate sleep
7-8: Average. You may have mild sleep deprivation
9 and above: You may be significantly sleep deprived.
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