Lack of exercise and use of consumer electronics in bed are taking their toll on sleepers around the country, according to a new consumer survey.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, insufficient sleep is an important public health concern, especially as unhealthy sleep patterns and self-reported sleep difficulties continue to rise. Regular lack of sleep has been linked to car accidents, industrial accidents, medical errors and can even contribute to chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, depression and obesity, officials
A survey of more than 1,000 consumers found that many Americans say they aren’t getting enough sleep, a problem that is twice as common for women than for men.
A 2017 Consumer Sleep Survey provides a comprehensive look at how technology plays an increasingly significant role in sleep health. It shows that the use of electronics and lack of exercise impact consumers’ ability to get a good night’s sleep.
Only 14% of respondents reported getting enough sleep on a regular basis and cited the use of electronics as the biggest sleep thief in their life. Less than 10% of respondents who use electronics in bed said that they regularly get adequate sleep. Those who limit the use of their electronics in bed described their sleep as adequate at more than double the rate of those who don’t.
The is noteworthy and unique from other research it targeted consumers through digital media to get a better understanding of how people who are actively engaged online feel about their sleep patterns and overall sleep health,”
Sleep is one of the three pillars of a healthy life, and while awareness is growing about how critical a restful night of sleep is, most Americans are still not getting enough sleep, The findings of this survey help put a spotlight on those key lifestyle issues that are preventing people from getting a better night’s rest.
The survey findings also revealed a clear connection between lack of exercise and sleep quality.
Almost 50% of respondents admitted to never working out, and only 11% of people who don’t work out think they get enough sleep. The type of exercise also impacts sleep, as those who participate in high-impact activities like cardio, running and Cross-Fit reported getting enough sleep at double the rate of those who engage in low-impact exercises,Sleep Blog, where we regularly discuss the art and science of a good night’s sleep.
The survey respondents were spread across Millennials, Gen Xers and Boomers, and 80% were women, the industry’s traditional customer.
The survey revealed that:
- 91% of respondents reported waking up at least once during the night.
- 63% would give up coffee or alcohol for the rest of their lives in exchange for a better night’s sleep.
- 38% of women described their sleep as inadequate, compared to only 20% of men.
- 23% of women reported waking up at night because of kids or pets compared with only 12% of men.