Americans aren’t sleeping enough. And those with a job seem to have a harder time getting good rest than others.
Those are the latest findings from The State of America’s Sleep study commissioned by the Better Sleep Council, the consumer education arm of the International Sleep Products Association. The first report revealed that young women were the worst sleepers in America and male retirees were the best. The second report detailed the leading causes of sleeplessness. The third report from the data looks at work-related factors that negatively impact employees’ sleep.
To begin, The State of America’s Sleep study reveals that more than one-third (41%) of employed adults get less than seven hours of sleep per night and over half (54%) often or frequently wake up feeling tired. They also are less likely to be excellent sleepers.
Poor sleepers tend to be under pressure at work (44%), don’t feel valued (22%), don’t enjoy what they do (18%) and aren’t working in a friendly environment (12%).
Work worries and environment aren’t the only sources leading to poor sleep. Employed Americans who aren’t getting enough rest tend to check social media, watch TV or have a snack before bed. Additionally, they don’t participate in leisure activities such gardening, attending concerts or plays, or playing sports.
Employers can educate staff about ways to improve their sleep and develop strategies to help them. The result should be improved productivity.
A few strategies include:
• Finish the last meal two to three hours before bed so the body is ready to relax
• Limit electronics, including TV, at least an hour before bedtime
• Get into a regular sleep routine and go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
• Create an ideal bedroom for quality sleep and upgrade your mattress if it’s causing discomfort.
