Stress, Sickness and an Uncomfortable Mattress Keep Nearly 70 Percent of U.S. Women Up at Night

Main Category: Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia
Article Date: 03 May 2005 - 10:00 PDT

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A new survey of women by the Better Sleep Council shows that it isn't just new moms who are sleep deprived. In fact, nearly 70 percent of all women in the U.S. report sleeping less than the recommended average of eight hours a night. Women ages 40-60 average a meager five hours of sleep per night, and divorced or separated women, African American and Hispanic women, and Northeasterners/West Coasters suffer the most from lack of sleep, the 2005 poll reports.

Sleepless nights have been linked to many health risks including obesity, heart disease and even car accidents. To address this distressing trend, the Better Sleep Council is teaming up with the Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health to help women improve the quantity and quality of sleep they get each night. Throughout May, which is not only Better Sleep Month but also includes National Women's Health Week (May 8-14), a special outreach campaign will be conducted to share tips for sleep improvement.

"Women's sleep patterns can be affected by their unique health issues as well as their struggle to balance family and work demands," said Amy Wolfson, Ph.D., sleep expert and author of The Woman's Book of Sleep: A Complete Resource Guide. "The Better Sleep Council survey shows more women are beginning to understand the connection between a lack of sleep and increased heath risks. But women need to be more vigilant and take concrete steps to improve their sleep to ensure maximum health benefits."

Quantity and Quality

The Better Sleep Council warns that although the quantity of sleep is paramount, the quality of sleep is crucial as well. With work- and family- related stress or ailments such as allergies or a common cold registering as among the top sleep deprivers, women often think there is little they can do to get better rest.

"While it's easy to blame external factors like stress and illness for our lack of sleep," says Dr. Wolfson, "it is important for women to realize there are things they can control to improve the quality of their sleep, like their sleep environment and a good mattress."

"Our poll revealed that an uncomfortable mattress contributes to poor sleep, and that's a factor you can control," said Nancy Shark, Executive Director of the Better Sleep Council. "You should be sleeping on a mattress that combines superior comfort with the right support. If you are waking up tired and stiff, it may be time to replace it."

Make a Good Night's Sleep a Priority

To help women Start Every Day with a Good Night's Sleep(TM), the Better Sleep Council and the National Sleep Foundation recommend these ten valuable sleep tips:

1. Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule, including weekends.

2. Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine, such as soaking in a hot bath or hot tub and then reading a book or listening to soothing music.

3. Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool.

4. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.

5. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. It is best to take work materials, computers and televisions out of the sleeping environment.

6. Finish eating at least two to three hours before your regular bedtime.

7. Exercise regularly. It is best to complete your workout at least a few hours before bedtime.

8. Avoid nicotine (e.g., cigarettes, tobacco products). Used close to bedtime, it can lead to poor sleep.

9. Avoid caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate) close to bedtime. It can keep you awake.

10. Avoid alcohol close to bedtime. It can lead to disrupted sleep later in the night.

For more information on how to wake feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep, visit http://www.bettersleep.org and http://www.sleepfoundation.org.

Survey findings are taken from a survey of 804 women, conducted by the polling company(TM), inc./ WomanTrend, during February 17-20, 2005. The margin of error is +/- 3.0%.