One Third of Americans Say They're not Sleeping As Well As Five Years Ago26 March 2006
More than a third (34%) of Americans surveyed recently about their sleep habits said the quality of their sleep is worse than it was five years ago. Forty-one percent of those surveyed in the Carpenter CO. Sleep Better(TM) Survey said it takes at least 20 minutes to fall asleep, and eight percent said it takes them more than an hour.
These are some of the results of a national survey that was commissioned by Carpenter CO. of Richmond, VA, a national supplier of "Sleep Better(TM)" products known for their superior quality and innovation.
"These are compelling numbers. They point out that as many as 70 to 80 million Americans are not getting the sleep they need," said Dr. Michael Breus, the WebMD sleep expert. "Not getting an adequate or a good night's sleep can negatively impact so many other things in our lives. It's a shame that this many people are having this problem since so much has been done to improve our sleeping environments."
Women respondents in particular said that getting good sleep is high on their agendas. Twenty-nine percent of them said they preferred a good night's sleep over finding $50 in a coat pocket, which was picked by 26 percent. Another 20 percent of the women preferred "romance," 17 percent preferred receiving a massage and 12 percent said they would rather enjoy a great meal.
Of the men surveyed, 33 percent said they preferred "romance," but getting a good night's sleep came in right behind at 27 percent. Nineteen percent of the men would rather find a $50 bill in a coat pocket, 12 percent would rather enjoy a good meal and eight percent said they would prefer a massage.
The telephone survey was conducted by GfK NOP of Princeton, NJ. The survey consisted of a random digit dial probability sample of 1,008 Americans that was conducted March 17 - 19; a survey of that size is considered scientifically reliable within +/- 3 percent.
Other findings of the survey:
- 21 percent of Americans work in bed
- 33 percent use their laptop in bed
- 67 percent think a pillow is very important to get a good night's sleep
- nearly half (49 percent) prefer a medium pillow; 29 percent soft and 20
percent firm
- 40 percent change their pillow once a year (34 percent of men and 46
percent of women)
- 73 percent of men and 62 percent of women prefer to sleep with someone,
and
- 31 percent have a pet that sleeps with them regularly
Chat Room with Sleep Expert, Dr. Michael Breus
Centerpiece of National Sleep Better(TM) Night
The survey supports Carpenter CO.'s sponsorship of National Sleep Better(TM) Night (April 1-2) as Americans adjust to daylight savings time and lose one hour of sleep as they "spring forward." Individuals with sleep issues, or who just aren't able to sleep that night, can log onto http://www.sleepbetter.org, where Dr. Breus will host a live chat for two hours between 11:30 pm EST April 1 and 1:30 am EST April 2. Visitors to the chat room can ask Dr. Breus about any sleep-related issues or problems. All postings made during that time will remain on http://www.sleepbetter.org for the benefit of others who come online later.
Dr. Breus suggests that Americans use the time changeover night as an opportunity to review the quality of their sleep patterns and ensure they are doing everything they can to create a relaxing sleeping environment. "It amazes me how little thought most people put into how they can achieve a better night's sleep," Dr. Breus said. "Sleep technology has made great strides over the past ten years, and there are many new innovations that can help promote deeper, more restful sleep."
As part of Carpenter CO. National Sleep Better(TM) Night, Carpenter CO. Labs unveiled the latest in innovative sleep technology, Ambient(TM) Comfort. Ambient(TM) Comfort's new Holofiber(R) fill has been clinically proven to increase oxygen levels in the skin. It is widely recognized that elevated levels of oxygen in the skin aids in healing and tissue recovery, as well as quicker recovery from muscle aches and pains, and a boost in energy. This technology has been applied to mattress pads, bed pillows, comforters, fiber beds and mattress pads.
Carpenter CO. has provided the sleep industry with innovative comfort products for more than 50 years, and it has the industry's only dedicated research and development facility. Carpenter CO. is the "quiet science behind sleep." Many of the ideas and innovations that are developed by Carpenter CO. support all major producers of upholstered furniture, mattresses, mattress pads, bed pillows and quality bedding.
Note: A complete copy of the Carpenter CO. Sleep Better Survey is available upon request by contacting Leslie Griles at 804-698-8836 or leslie.griles@slaypr.com
DR. MICHAEL BREUS ON THE
CARPENTER CO. SLEEP BETTER(TM) SURVEY FINDINGS
1. CARPENTER CO. SLEEP BETTER(TM) SURVEY FINDING:
21 percent of Americans work in bed
DR. MICHAEL BREUS: This is obviously not what I would have liked to have seen. The bed should be used for sleep and romance only. Working in bed can cause increased stress, worry and possibly insomnia.
2. CARPENTER CO. SLEEP BETTER(TM) SURVEY FINDING:
33 percent use their laptop in bed
DR. MICHAEL BREUS: A recent study out of Japan has shown that even the light from a laptop can have effects on one's internal biological clock, thus making the brain think it is morning or possibly reducing the production of melatonin.
3. CARPENTER CO. SLEEP BETTER(TM) SURVEY FINDING:
67 percent think a pillow is very important to get a good night's sleep
DR. MICHAEL BREUS: I am very encouraged to see that people are finally starting to realize how important a pillow can be. Proper head and neck alignment is essential for comfort during sleep.
4. CARPENTER CO. SLEEP BETTER(TM) SURVEY FINDING:
Nearly half (49 percent) prefer a medium pillow; 29 percent soft and 20 percent firm
DR. MICHAEL BREUS: What is interesting about this is that most people sleep on their side, and thus would need a firmer pillow or at least one with some form of internal support. Thus many of those surveyed may in fact be using the wrong type of pillow for their sleeping position.
5. CARPENTER CO. SLEEP BETTER(TM) SURVEY FINDING:
40 percent change their pillow once a year (34 percent of men and 46 percent of women)
DR. MICHAEL BREUS: This is great news but the number is still too low. Most people never think about it but a pillow can collect sweat, skin oils, dust mites, etc and placing your head on it every night can have some troubling effects. For instance, increased skin blemishes, allergies and congestion and even neck strain (as the pillow looses firmness over time).
6. CARPENTER CO. SLEEP BETTER(TM) SURVEY FINDING:
73 percent of men and 62 percent of women prefer to sleep with someone and 31 percent have a pet that sleeps with them regularly
DR. MICHAEL BREUS: Co-sleeping is certainly a preference and there is some data to suggest it helps promote a better relationship, but co-sleeping with an animal is not really a good idea. Sleeping with pets in the bed can cause an increase in allergen exposure, frequent awakenings due to movement, and in some cases fleas!
Source: prnewswire
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