This weekend the clocks will `fall back' an hour giving tired locals an extra hour of sleep.

But according to statistics, about one-third of the community will not be able to relish in the additional rest since 33 percent of the general population suffers from sleep disorders.

The typical adult, although it varies from person to person, needs about seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night.

It is estimated that about 40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders and most of them are unaware that they are not getting a proper night's rest.

Statistics for Bermuda residents are unavailable.

Lack of sleep results in reduced productivity, performance and increased likelihood of accidents.

And experts believe that sleep disorders, sleep deprivation and sleepiness add an estimated $15.9 billion to America's health care bill.

Insomnia -- a difficulty in falling or staying asleep -- is the most common form of sleep disorders and has been experience by most people at one time or another.

Sleep Apnea is another common sleep disorder where breathing is interrupted -- and is usually accompanied by loud snoring during normal spells.

People with Apnea do not get enough oxygen during sleep, and for brief periods during the night, they stop breathing. Sufferers will wake up briefly to breathe but they usually do not have any memory of the fleeting episode.

There are two major types of sleep apnea -- obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common and is the result of an obstruction in the throat. Bed partners usually notice a 10 to 60 second pause between loud snores.

A delay in the signal from the brain telling the body to breath causes central sleep apnea.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, waking up with headaches, waking up during the night sometimes with the sensation of choking and waking up sweating.

Some individuals, regardless of how much sleep they get, experience a irresistible need to sleep. Those who suffer with the chronic disorder, Narcolepsy, fall asleep at the drop of the hat -- at work, while talking, even while driving.

These `sleeping attacks' can last anywhere from 30 seconds to more than 30 minutes.

If you suspect that you might have sleep disorder, seek medical advice and care from a qualified professional.

Children According to the local Department of Health, lack of sleep can affect both a child's mental and physical health.

Officials say that over-tiredness makes a child irritable, grouchy and more prone to fight and argue. It will also make it more difficult for a child to concentrate in school.

And since growth takes place during sleep, lack of sleep could affect a child's growth.

It is recommended that parents establish a set bedtime for their children -- one that should be pleasantly but firmly enforced.

Experts say that children should not have too much fun before they do to sleep -- tickling, running around or watching scary or exciting television shows do not induce sleep.

Reading to a child before bedtime is a good way to give them time to wind-down and become sleepy.