Flowers, cards and perfumes will be much appreciated but what Mothers nationwide really are lacking is a good night's sleep.

"The need for sleep diagnosis and treatment has increased over the past few decades," said Samaritan Sleep Center Medical Director Dr. Mustafa Quadri. "In general, people are sleeping less and experiencing more disrupted sleep than ever before."

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 72 percent of working mothers experience symptoms of sleep problems like insomnia and 59 percent of stay-at home mothers say they frequently wake up feeling un-refreshed.

Sleep is not just a rest period from Mom's busy life; it is a basic necessity. When Mom sleeps well, she wakes up refreshed, alert, and ready to face her day. When women don't sleep well, our jobs, relationships, health, safety, and emotional well-being are at risk.

As many as seven out of 10 Americans suffer from a sleep disorder at some point during their lives. The typical sleep-deprived individual may experience impaired performance, irritability, lack of concentration, and daytime drowsiness. Sleep disruption takes an adverse toll on health and puts people at risk for conditions including high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

The sleep professionals at the Samaritan Sleep Center of Good Samaritan Hospital see 30 to 40 patients a week for overnight sleep studies to pinpoint the source of disruptive sleep disorders, evaluate sleep problems and map out a treatment plan to help local residents overcome their sleep disorders.

Every Mom deserves a good night's sleep, especially on Mothers Day, so the Samaritan Sleep Center is offering a special gift to every mother who visits the facility and completes a free sleep screening questionnaire, May 5-8. The free sleep screenings are available Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Samaritan Sleep Center, 80 East Woodbury Drive, Dayton.