There is a hidden epidemic in this country, the epidemic of chronic sleep deprivation. At some time in our lives, nearly all of us have suffered from either poor quality and/or quantity of sleep. Many people, though, have suffered under the yoke of chronic sleep deprivation for so long they cannot even remember what it was like to sleep soundly.

One of the most common reasons for doctor visits these days is anxiety, or “stress.” Whatever one chooses to call it, we have all felt the feeling of being overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, a sense of dread, fear, hyperventilation, sweaty palms before going into a meeting. For most of us, most of the time, this is a fleeting, occasional problem. For some of us, it is a frequent, even omnipresent issue. This is directed at both groups, but it will surely be of greater value to the chronically stressed.