Better Sleep Month 2005 Survey Findings Women and Sleep

The latest survey from the Better Sleep Council finds that an increasing number of women feel that a good night’s sleep, like proper diet and exercise, is central to their overall health and well being. However, while they may understand this critical link, the poll also shows that women are failing to get the sleep they need.

Previous research shows that women are more sleep deprived than men, having greater difficulty falling and staying asleep and experiencing more daytime sleepiness. This most recent survey also found that some groups of women are experiencing more sleep loss than others. Regardless, women are united in their need to make sleep a priority to ensure optimal health and happiness.

Quick Facts from the Survey

• Sixty-eight percent (68%) of American women admit to sleeping less than recommended average of eight hours per night.
   
• The top three factors that rob women of sleep:

• Work- and/or family-related stress
• Ailments such as an allergy or cold
• Uncomfortable mattress or pillows

• One-third of women respondents feel that a balanced lifestyle requires a proper diet, regular exercise, and a good night’s sleep.

The Worst Sleepers

• Divorced and Separated Women
  Women who are divorced or separated were 9-points more likely than single women, and 6-points more likely than married women to say they get, at most, 5 hours of sleep a night.
   
• Non-Professional Women
  Women who do not work outside the home were 8 points more likely than all other women to get less sleep than they need. Meanwhile, female business professionals aren’t tossing and turning – they’re among the most likely to get a good night’s sleep.
   
• Northeast and West Coast Women
  Women living in the populous Northeast and West Coast have the more trouble sleeping than people in other regions.
   
• Minorities
  Hispanic women were 5-points more likely than African American women and 14-points more likely than White women to report not getting enough sleep (27%-22%-13%, respectively).

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