Did you know that at least 62% of Americans have difficulty sleeping, and another 40% admit that lack of sleep, or troubled sleep, interferes at work? Not getting enough sleep results in irritability and an inability to focus. Sleep deprivation can even slow down your metabolism, or make you sick. How many Americans are plagued by trouble sleeping, and what can U.S. men and women do to tackle this problem?
How Many People Have Problems Sleeping?
As many as 37.8% of adults fall asleep during the day within any given month, and, according to the National Sleep Foundation, 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders. Americans need restful sleep to wake up focused, alert, and at their best. What constitutes restful sleep?
According to the New York Times that answer differs from person to person. Most adults need the much-coveted eight hours of sleep, but some may function just as well on six hours of sleep. The New York Times suggests that the best indication of whether you are getting enough sleep is the way you feel.
How Can You Get More Sleep?
Luckily, there are a number of different ways you can get a better night’s sleep. What are some of the ways people seek to improve and correct sleeping problems?
- Keep a journal. Trouble sleeping may be associated with difficulty relaxing. Keep a journal, and write about anything causing you anxiety or an undue amount of stress. Try to write as close to bed-time as possible. Writing down thoughts should help prevent them from keeping you awake at night.
- Consider replacing your mattress. Standard mattresses do not properly account for the human form. Our spines are naturally S-shaped, and traditional flat beds do not support the human body’s natural curves. Retailers offer a selection of Tempurpedic mattresses, gel mattresses, latex mattresses, and organic mattresses, and sleepers can choose the mattress that will best suit their needs. Los Gatos gel mattresses, for example, are available in California, and often offer a cooler, more refreshing alternative to memory foam. A firm mattress, on the other hand, can provide maximum back support to help prevent stiffness and sore muscles.
Getting a good night’s sleep helps Americans stay happy and alert, and it promotes good health, too. Choose the mattress that best suits your needs, whether that is a gel, latex, or organic mattress, and keep a journal to help fall asleep faster, and sleep more restfully. References.