Sleep Q&A: Dr. Amy Wolfson

In the Spotlight: Sleep and Emotional Well Being

2006 Better Sleep Month Survey Results

Researchers are learning more and more about the underlying cyclical connection between sleep and our mental health. To further explore this important balance, the BSC recently sponsored a national omnibus survey to assess general attitudes toward sleep, as well as the link between our sleep quality, quantity, and overall mood. Here are some of the key findings:

Sleep and Emotional Health

• Individuals who reported that they received an average of six hours of sleep or less rated their overall mood as worse than those who were able to sleep seven to eight hours. In fact, those who reported that they got seven to eight hours each night were more likely to rate their mood as excellent.

• More than half (56%) also reported that they would turn to comfort foods if they are feeling more moody, depressed, anxious and/or irritable than normal. Women were significantly more likely than men to do so (63%, and 48% respectively).

Sleep Quality and Quantity; Making Sleep a Priority

• Two in five (41%) of Americans reported receiving an average of six hours or less of sleep per night. (7.5 to 8.5 is optimal)
• The majority of Americans rated the quality (57%) and quantity (56%) of their sleep as moderate, poor.

• People who reported getting adequate quality and quantity sleep (7 hours or more) were more likely to take active measures to make sleep a priority than those reporting poor sleep.

Improving Sleep, Back to Basics

More than half of Americans are unlikely to take some of the most basic steps to improve the quality of their sleep: 

• 51 % are not likely to alter their bedtime routine for a better night’s sleep.  Modifications could include eliminating televisions in bedrooms and not exercising or eating near bedtime.
• 52 % are not likely to eliminate negative behaviors that contribute to poor sleep. These include reducing caffeine, alcohol or nicotine intake.

• If experiencing trouble sleeping over a period of time, Americans reported that they are most likely to change their sleeping schedule (51%) and build in time for more sleep (56%) in an effort to improve their sleep.
• Only 17% of Americans indicated that they would take sleep medication in an effort to improve their sleep.

Survey findings are taken from a survey of 1,013 people, conducted by Caravan® Survey from January 20 – 23, 2006. The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points.