New Survey Reveals We Hibernate – Sleep More in Winter

ALEXANDRIA, VA (October 27, 1998) – True to our animal instincts, human beings yearn for more sleep when cold weather sets in. A new survey conducted by the Better Sleep Council (BSC) confirms that most people retreat to the bedroom for our own kind of hibernation during the winter months.

"It's human nature to want to sleep in when it's cold outside," says Andrea Herman, BSC Director, "Bears hibernate, and people want to indulge in sleep, too. Often, our sleep habits change in cold weather periods as well."

According to the nationwide survey of 1,000 adults, more than five times as many adults spend more time in bed during the winter than in the summer.

"The findings confirm what we've suspected all along," says Herman. "After all, who hasn't snuggled further underneath the covers for a little extra sleep on a cold morning?" In general, people prefer to lounge in bed rather than venture out in wintry climates. More than one-half of adults read more; and almost two-thirds spend more time watching television. With all the sleeping, reading and TV watching to be enjoyed while it's cold outside, only one person in ten pursues outdoor activities more in the winter than the summer.

As cooler temperatures signal the change of seasons, now is a good time to prepare your home for winter hibernation. "A comfortable environment is conducive to maximum rest and rejuvenation during winter downtime," advises Herman. "If you're like most people and spend more time in bed, you'll want to make sure your mattress still provides the support and comfort you need for a restful night's sleep."

HiberNation Wake Up Call: Mattress Checkup

Just as bears ready their dens to hibernate, people need to plan for a good winter's slumber. And that means taking a close look at the condition of your mattress. Sleeping on a mattress that's a season or two past its prime can rob you of nighttime rest and daytime energy. To determine if you need to replace your mattress, ask yourself the following questions. An answer of "yes" to one or more signals it could be time:

• Are you sleeping better or worse than a year ago?
• Do you wake up feeling stiff or sore?
• Does your mattress have visible signs of wear and tear?
• Would your sleep improve if you had a new mattress?

"The benefits of improving your quality of sleep dramatically affect your overall quality of life," advises Herman. "The key to feeling more alert and active may be as simple as taking the cue from Mother Nature and enjoying a little extra sleep."

Go to Land of Nod This Winter

While bears instinctively know when it's time for a long deep sleep, people tend to ignore their cues for extra rest and push full steam ahead. The result can be chronic tiredness from sleep deprivation. During winter, feeling sleepier can be remedied as easily as giving in to nature's call and going to bed earlier in the evening. To make the most of your sleep and to fulfill your expectations for waking up refreshed, make sure your mattress provides the support and comfort you need.

According to Herman, the secret to a good winter's sleep can be as close as your mattress. "Pay attention to how you feel when you wake up in the morning. If you don't feel well-rested then check your mattress. A worn-out mattress is an energy-zapper. Replacing it could help you rest easy all winter long."

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The Better Sleep Council, a non-profit organization supported by the mattress industry, is devoted to educating the public about the importance of sleep to good health and quality of life, and about the value of the sleep system and sleep environment in pursuit of a good night's sleep.

Free publication available: The Better Sleep Council publishes the Better Sleep Guide, a 16-page color brochure about the connection between sleep and health, how to assess the condition of your mattress, and guidelines for shopping for a new sleep set. The brochure is available by sending your request to: Guide, P.O. Box 19534, Alexandria, VA 22320-0534; in Canada: Guide, Downsview CSC, P.O. Box 430, Downsview, Ontario, M3M 3A8

Letter to the Editor

October 27, 1998

Dear Editor,

Dreaming of a winter retreat? So are most adults – that is, a retreat to bed for a long winter's sleep. Our cold-weather habit of burrowing under the bedcovers is a kind of hibernation, people-style.

The new HiberNation survey by the Better Sleep Council sheds light on human nature: we spend more time in bed in winter than summer. Just as you might suspect, we sleep more. Read more. Watch more TV. All while snug in bed.

With the upcoming rise of in-bed activities, now is a good time to remind your readers, listeners or viewers about the importance of good sleep to quality of life. While people may increase their quantity of sleep, they may not wake feeling rested if their mattress is in poor condition.

The BSC HiberNation Kit can help get the season of slumber off to a good start. Enclosed are the following materials:

• HiberNation press release highlighting survey results and mattress-check tips
• Camera-ready artwork illustrating survey statistic

Share this HiberNation information. Then, follow your animal instincts. Fluff your pillow, get a good book, grab the remote... and head to bed.

Wishing you a good winter's sleep,

The Better Sleep Council