A recent poll by the National Sleep Foundation shows that Americans are sleeping less than they used to. This is not a new thing, although some people attribute it to short-term economic woes. According to the poll, Americans are sleeping an average of 6.7 hours per night, down from 7 hours per night in 2001. In addition, the number of people reporting that they sleep less than 6 hours per weeknight has increased from 13 % to 20 %, and the number receiving 8 or more hours of sleep has decreased from 38 % to 28 %.
Although many, including those at the National Sleep Foundation, are reporting that economic stress may be behind increasing sleep woes, the truth is that the decrease in sleep is more likely due to lifestyle factors. Although a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association last year reported that 52 % of Americans reported losing sleep due to stress, if this were the major cause, we would expect to see a spike in lost sleep, but the numbers do not show that.
Instead, the numbers show a gradual loss of sleep, with average hours slept on weekday nights decreasing from 7.0 in 2001, to 6.9 in 2002, to 6.8 in 2005 to 6.7 in 2009. Therefore, it seems more likely that a number of lifestyle factors are contributing to the decreased sleep levels. This includes the growth of 24-7 activity levels facilitated by the Internet and by the expansion of internet activities and methods of access, such as Blackberries. In addition, more people are likely suffering from snoring either by themselves or their cosleeper. Or, worse, they may be suffering from the dangerous condition of obstructive sleep apnea.
If you find that your sleep has been cut dramatically in recent years, schedule a sleep health consultation with the Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Center in Gurnee, Illinois today to learn about comprehensive treatment that include behavioral therapy, oral appliance therapy, or even Continuous Positive Airway Pressure treatment for sleep apnea, if necessary.