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MIAMI, May 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Herbert Ross, author of the book, "Sleep Disorders, An Alternative Guide," says sleep disorders have become almost epidemic. Over fifty million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, and in a recent USA Today survey, three out of four Americans said they were not regularly getting a good night's sleep.

The recent movie "Insomnia" demonstrates the illness's more severe effects. Al Pacino's character, the protagonist Will Dormer, almost wrecks his car, makes seriously wrong decisions, hallucinates and shows signs of mental, emotional and physical deterioration.

"All these are symptoms that millions of insomniacs experience on a daily basis," said Dr. Ross. "Studies have shown 15-20% of auto accidents may be caused by falling asleep at the wheel."

He said it is important for insomniacs to understand how serious missing consecutive nights of sleep may be.

Research indicates that insomnia can shorten lives, weaken immune systems, and contribute to heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, decreased productivity, job failure, auto accidents and divorce.

Al Pacino's performance may be a source of inspiration for millions of sufferers to do something about missed sleep before it wrecks their lives physically, emotionally and financially.

According to Dr. Ross, sleep disorders develop as a result of poor diet and food allergies; an accumulation of toxins in the body (from the environment, food, drugs, and other sources); structural imbalances; poor stress coping abilities and other emotional factors; hormonal imbalances; and huge increases in electromagnetic fields from cell phones and computers, which have been found to diminish the production of melatonin, the body's natural hormone that promotes the process of sleep.

"All of these factors may also disrupt our biorhythms leading to sleep phase syndromes," said Dr. Ross. "Only when the imbalances have been addressed and resolved can deep restorative sleep be enjoyed."

He said natural therapies can get sleep patterns, and life, back on track more effectively than medication.

"People need to know there are alternative, non-drug solutions," said Dr. Ross.

Dr. Herbert Ross' book "Sleep Disorders, An Alternative Guide" is available at bookstores nationwide or by contacting him at ezzzysleep@aol.com