Very much more common than most people realize is the best answer to this question. The national prevalence has been established for only one specific disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, at 24 percent of adult males and 9 percent of adult females. Restless legs syndrome has been estimated to afflict at least 12 million Americans. A recent Gallup Poll has established a national prevalence of 14 percent for chronic insomnia.
Very much more common than most people realize is the best answer to this question. The national prevalence has been established for only one specific disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, at 24 percent of adult males and 9 percent of adult females. Restless legs syndrome has been estimated to afflict at least 12 million Americans. A recent Gallup Poll has established a national prevalence of 14 percent for chronic insomnia.
- William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D