This is an annual campaign sponsored by the National Sleep Foundation and supported by Awake in America. This year's campaing theme: "Sleep: As Important as Diet and Exercise (Only Easier!)"
According to a 1992 poll by the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research, approximately 70 million Americans are affected by a sleep problem, and 40 million suffer from a chronic sleep problem. Remember, this survey is from 14 years ago. There's no doubt that those numbers are larger today. [p[The National Sleep Foundation states that sleep deprivation and sleep disordersa cost Americans over $100 bilion every year in njuries, death and propery damage. According to NSF's 2005 Sleep in America poll, more than seven out of 10 adults in America said they frequently have a symptom of a sleep problem such as waking a lot during the night or snoring. About one-fourth of poll respondents said their sleep problems have some impact on their daily lives, though most say they ignore the symptoms.
Michele Narcavage, President of Awake in America, Inc. offers these tips to change your behavior and get more sleep:
- Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule including weekends.
- 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.
- Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool.
- Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.
- Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. It is best to take work materials, computers and televisions out of the sleeping environment.
- Finish eating at least 2-3 hours before your regular bedtime.
- Exercise regularly. It is best to complete your workout at least a few hours before bedtime.
- Avoid caffeine (e.g. coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate) close to bedtime. It can keep you awake.
- Avoid nicotine (e.g. cigarettes, tobacco products). Used close to bedtime, it can lead to poor sleep.
- Avoid alcohol close to bedtime. It can lead to disrupted sleep later in the night.
[Resources:
Awake in America, Inc.
National Sleep Foundation
