Wake up to Sleep Awareness Week

Work, appointments, school, homework, parenting and working out. We all desire a little more sleep, but for some of us, sleep becomes a back burner to all the responsibilities and daily tasks that happen every day.

The National Sleep Foundation is celebrating Sleep Awareness Week, March 2 -6, to help promote the importance of getting a little more shut-eye. As part of their efforts, the organization conducts a national survey, Sleep in America™ poll, to better understand Americans’ sleep health and behaviors.

The online survey which analyzed more than 1,000 adults aged 18 years and older in the United States found two concerns. People who have chronic or acute pain have trouble falling or staying asleep and people don’t make sleep a priority.

“Sleep is a key marker of health, and good sleep habits are critical for improving the quality of life of those living with chronic or acute pain,” says David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation (NSF).

According to the survey, about one in three Americans don’t always get a good night’s sleep or they have trouble falling or staying asleep. Those surveyed who experience chronic pain reported 36 percent good or very good sleep quality, while only 46 percent of those with acute pain felt the same.

The survey also found that people who are motivated to make sleep a priority have longer sleep durations and better sleep quality. The survey found that those who were motivated received on average 7.3 hours per night, while their counterparts only received 6.7 hours on average.

“For many people who are close to getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep, getting just 15 to 30 minutes more sleep a night could make a difference in how they feel,” suggests NSF. “Understanding the importance of sleep and taking a proactive approach to bed times can help everyone improve their sleep, even people with pain.”