Why Aren’t We Sleeping

Sleep.  It seems like we never get enough of it.  Even those that sleep a lot, wish they were getting more.

A neurologist and sleep medicine specialist with Mattress Firm in Texas says that an inconsistent sleep schedule is making it difficult to get the amount of sleep needed.

According to Dr. Chris Winter, more and more research is coming out that shows even when sleep quality is sound and sleep amounts are adequate, inconsistency of sleep timing can lead to a large range of negative health consequences.

According to some recent studies, here are the top “worst” sleep habits:

Nearly 90% of adults and 75% of children keep at least one electronic device on in their bedrooms according to the National Sleep Foundation.

While we’re on the subject of sleep, 20% of us say we “rarely or never” wake up feeling well-rested.  And there’s a new survey that has identified the factors that are keeping Americans up at night.  Here are the top five worries at bedtime…

This year’s list was almost identical to last years, No.5 last year was the Russia-Ukraine war.

WGAC is providing updates on Hurricane Helene recovery and relief on air and online. You can stream WGAC on the website or through the WGAC app.

Power outages continue to be a widespread issue throughout Augusta and the surrounding areas. Crews are working around the clock to get everyone back up and running, but it could still be several days.

School Closings:

Augusta Fire and EMA reminds residents that trash collection will be delayed this week. If you're clearing tree debris, place it curbside for collection. The landfill will be open from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. today (Monday, September 30) and will accept up to 5 bags of household trash at no charge.

Water, Food, Shelter:

In Augusta, water distribution will take place at the Municipal Building at 535 Telfair Street starting at 8 a.m. today (Monday, September 30). Water will also be available at Southgate, 2801 Peach Orchard Road starting at 10 a.m. with emergency meals available at 12 noon.

As of 10 p.m. Sunday night, the Henry Brigham Community Center was at capacity, but shelter was still available at May Park, 622 4th Street in Augusta.

Burke County Sheriff's Office is hosting a Grill & Charge event today at the sheriff's office. Generators will be available to charge devices, and you can bring any meats you have to grill before it goes bad.

Lanier's Fresh Meat Market will have hot dogs and homemade sausages at their location, 1831 Walton Way, Augusta, starting at 11 a.m. today for those in need of a meal.

The North Augusta Family Y is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today for showers, charging stations, and water. The gym will also be open. They do not provide towels or toiletries, you'll need to bring your own. If you need water, bring your own containers/bottles/jugs for filling.

In Aiken County, a regional Community Shelter has been opened for North Augusta, Aiken, and Edgefield residents if needed. The shelter is located at Merriweather Elementary, 565 Springhaven Drive, North Augusta.

As of 6 a.m. Thursday, threats through 8 a.m. on Friday include:

A flood watch for all CSRA counties EXCEPT for Jenkins, Screven, Allendale, and Bamberg. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for all CSRA counties.

Aiken County Schools: Classes will be held Thursday but all afterschool events, including athletics, arts and other afterschool meetings have been canceled. Friday will be an E-Learning day and teachers and staff will work remotely.

*Richmond County Schools: Friday will be a Learn from Home Day.  As of now, all Richmond County Schools will continue their regular schedules today.  All afterschool activities have been cancelled for today. Schools and offices will follow regular schedule on Thursday. 

Columbia County Schools: All after-school activities, including after-school care, are canceled for the day. The CCSD Career Fair has been canceled, and the Building Program Community Presentation will be rescheduled.

Friday night football games will currently proceed as scheduled.

*Burke County Schools:  All schools and departments will be closed on Friday.  Employees, including twelve-month personnel, should not report to work.  The school system nutrition department will send a lunchable home with each student today.  All afternoon activities for today ( Thursday) are canceled.

*Lincoln County Schools: All Lincoln County Schools will be closed Friday.  Schools will operate normally today, but all after-school activities have been cancelled.

*McDuffie County Schools:  Schools will be closed Friday.  The district will continue normal operations today, but requests all parents living on the following roads within the county to contact the Department of Transportation at 706-986-4091 to meet buses at designated points:  Temple, Foster Sprouse, Rock House, Fish Dam, Mason, Heaton, Goett, Carolyn Lake, Lakeview, Greenbrier, Reeves, St. Paul, Dogwood, Jones, Whitaker, Radford Gay, Chalker and Raybun.  The football game scheduled for Friday has been rescheduled for Friday, October 18.

*Jefferson County Schools:  Jefferson County Schools will release at 1:00 today and will be closed Friday. 

Edgefield County Schools:  All afternoon activities for Thursday canceled.  Students will learn virtually on Friday.

McCormick County Schools:  All afternoon activities for Thursday canceled.  Students will learn virtually on Friday.

Fox Creek High School:  Students will learn virtually on Friday.

Sail Charter School:  Students will learn virtually Thursday and Friday.

St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School:  It will be an E-Learning day Friday.  All outdoor activities cancelled today.

Washington County Schools: Early dismissal starting at 11:30 a.m. Schools will be closed on Friday. After school activities are canceled and students will have at-home assignments on Friday.

Emanuel County Schools: Early release on Thursday, and no school on Friday.

City Offices in Grovetown:  Closed today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday).  Offices will re-open at their normal time on Monday.

Columbia County:  County offices will be closed Friday. Libraries in Evans, Grovetown and Harlem will close at 5 p.m. today and remain closed tomorrow. The will re-open for normal hours Saturday.  The Motor Vehicle and Property Tax Offices will be closed on Friday.

Augusta Prep:  Closed Friday.   The Homecoming football game scheduled for Friday night has been postponed. If field conditions are playable, the game may be moved to Saturday, September 28 at Richards Stadium.

Thomson City and McDuffie County Offices:  Closed Friday

Edgefield County Offices:  Closed Friday morning, but will open at 1:00 pm that day.

Augusta University:  Campus closed today at 3:00 pm with all in-person instruction and campus events cancelled.  On Friday, instruction will be delivered remotely.  All AU residence halls will remain open.  Atrium campus dining will provide normal service today.  On Friday, it will be open 10 am-2 pm and 4 pm-8:30 pm.

Burke County: Downed trees and powerlines on Blount Chapel Road near Highway 305. Many residents are without power. A tree is down on Highway 305 before Highway 24. North College Street between 305 and Blackberry Lane at Highway 305 is closed due to storm damage.

Louisville: 2nd Street is closed due to flooding.

During major storms, it's important to stay alert and up-to-date. Make sure you have a way to access information even if you lose power.

Weather alerts: Residents are encouraged to stay up to date on the potential threat of severe weather by signing up for the Augusta Emergency Management Agency’s severe weather and hazardous conditions alerting system. Details HERE.

Listeners can also download the WGAC app to listen and find weather updates HERE.

Shelter: If you're in need of shelter due to evacuation, the American Red Cross may be able to assist. You can find open shelters on their website HERE. The Red Cross also has an emergency app.

Wind: Strong winds could cause some issues including power outages. Potential for tornadoes could also occur late on Thursday.

Flooding: There could be potential for flooding in some areas.

Severe weather could lead to downed powerlines and trees. Use caution if you must travel during the storm.