Americans Don’t Get Enough Rest

Did you know that Americans today sleep about 2 hours less per day than they did 40 years ago? A recent poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation has revealed this and other startling facts.

Right now it is the economic crisis that is causing people to suffer sleeplessness and it is less sleep that seems to be the root cause for problems including those relating to health issues, poor social lives and infrequent sex.

While for 24% of people polled not getting enough sleep resulted in their missing work days and social engagements, as many as 26% of people in relationships reported that they were often too tired for sex.

The general recommendations of the National Sleep Foundation to get a good night’s sleep are:

  • Keep to a schedule. It does not have to be early to bed and early to rise, but it does help to have a regular sleep pattern.
  • Keep the TV out of the bedroom. This will result in lying in bed and watching TV and then some more TV, which time should be better utilized sleeping.
  • Regular exercise. Quite simply a good exercise routine gets you nice and tired and offers the option of restful sleep.