May Is Better Sleep Month

The Better Sleep Council has designated the month of May as Better Sleep Month. Many things can cause sleep deprivation including sleep disorders, poor sleep habits and an uncomfortable bed. Another culprit is stress. This report from the Better Sleep Council explains the danger.

FROM THE BETTER SLEEP COUNCIL

Alexandria, VA - April 23, 2003 - According to the second annual Better Sleep Council Stress Survey, 66% of Americans are losing sleep due to stress, up from 51% last year. The number one source of stress that keeps Americans tossing and turning? Family matters, with 22% of survey respondents citing issues close to home as the reason they are kept awake at night. Job related concerns and financial matters were also a source for worry among 19% and 13% of individuals surveyed respectively, and only 5% of Americans are kept awake by current events in the news.

This year's Better Sleep Council Stress Survey found that 17% of Americans are losing sleep at least three nights a week, with most (49%) losing sleep only a few nights a month. According to Dr. Louis Libby, pulmonologist and Medical Director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Providence Portland Medical Center, losing sleep due to stress one or two nights a week generally will not impact an individual's ability to perform. However, loss of sleep three or four days in a row will impact performance.

"With all the forces on our life competing for time and attention, it's important to recognize what we can control- like getting an adequate amount of sleep each night. A good night's sleep improves an individual's energy level, enhances their ability to think clearly, and strengthens their capacity to deal with life's daily challenges, " says Nancy Blatt, executive director at The Better Sleep Council.

During Better Sleep Month this May, the Better Sleep Council reminds sleep-deprived Americans, that starting each day with a good night's sleep and taking control of their sleep environment can effectively reduce stress and improve their quality of life. And while there's much means that Americans are not able to control when it comes to causing stress, the BSC reminds consumers what they can do to control their sleep environment and increase their chances of getting a better night sleep.