Study: Americans Don’t Prioritize Sleep Enough

A new survey indicates that Americans are still trying to do it all, and sleep is one thing that falls by the wayside.

The study, commissioned by a pharmaceutical firm, compiled data from 1,000 people across the United States via a telephone survey.  According to the findings, 71 percent of survey participants do not get appropriate amount of sleep each night. Adults should sleep for 7 to 9 hours, depending upon individual needs.  More than half of those surveyed say that stress is preventing them from falling asleep.

Other sleep deterrents noted in the survey include caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. One-fourth of those surveyed noted that they drink more than four caffeinated beverages per day. Nearly half of the survey participants also admitted to indulging in a daily nap. Consuming caffeine after 2 p.m. and napping for longer than 20 to 30 minutes can have a negative impact on nightly sleep routines as the body has difficulty developing a natural pattern for rest.

The National Center on Sleep Disorders Research estimates that nearly 70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems.

Source: NJ.com