Losing money over sleep

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: Count yourself lucky if you get a good night’s worth.

Many Americans long for sleep and simply don’t get enough of it. An article in the February 27 issue of Forbes magazine refers to sleep as the new sex: “People want, need it, can’t get enough of it.” Sleeping problems have spawned a cottage industry raking in billions selling slumber in the form of pills, sleep centers and other specialty devices.

Americans spent about $2.1 billion and filled more than 35 million prescriptions for sleeping pills in 2004, according to Medco Health Solutions, Inc. And new prescription sleeping pills—known as Z pills—like Ambien and Lunesta, continue to hit the market. Even popular over-the-counter pain reliever Tylenol, comes in a PM form (including Vanilla flavor) that promises to take away pain and help you sleep.

Sleep centres—where patients are hooked up to monitors in an effort to detect sleep disorders—are also on the rise.

Until recently, there were few sleep labs in the central San Joaquin Valley, but that has changed. More than a dozen sleep centres, some part of hospital programmes, now compete for patients.

In general, sleep lab assessments—which involve overnight monitoring—cost between $1,500 to $2,000, but, medical insurance usually covers the bill.

Some rooms look like hotel rooms. They have television sets, night stands and air mattresses that patients can adjust to their comfort level.

A camera on a wall and aimed at the bed records the sleeping subject.