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Tempur-Pedic survey: Americans short on sleep

Many people say it affects quality of life, health

David Perry -- Furniture Today, June 22, 2008

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Most Americans recognize the health benefits of a good night’s sleep, but many say they are sleeping well just three nights a week. That lack of good sleep causes crankiness, stress, weight gain and sluggishness — and even takes a toll on their looks, consumers say.

Those are some of the key findings of memory foam producer Tempur-Pedic’s 2008 Wellness Survey, an independent poll of more than 1,500 U.S. adults via e-mail. The poll was designed to measure how Americans perceive the relationship between restorative sleep and their quality of life.

Women (21%) are more willing than men (8%) to give up sex to get a good night’s sleep. And they reveal that one in three Americans would forgo a favorite food, and 38% would not consume alcohol for a good night of sleep.

Consumers say sleep affects their diet, exercise, sleep and even beauty.

“The survey underscores that most Americans draw the connection between a good night’s sleep and their own happiness and well-being, but that many still don’t get enough quality sleep each night,” said Terra Wellington, a health and wellness expert and a member of Tempur-Pedic’s 2008 Wellness Advisory Board. “Our role is to help people achieve that restful slumber by recognizing that proper diet, regular exercise, stress reduction and sleep environment all play important roles in attaining quality rest each night.”

The survey found that nearly all Americans think a good night’s sleep results in a better mood (99%) and less neck and back pain (94%). It also found that 90% of Americans consider their mattress to be an important factor in getting a good night’s sleep. One-third of them consider it the most important factor.

Among other findings on health issues, the survey found that nine out of 10 Americans agree that a bed should relieve pain, not add to it, and that quality sleep is nighttime renewal for the body and mind.

Americans also connect a good night’s sleep with beauty, according to the survey. It found that:

* Nearly all Americans say that a good night’s sleep results in them looking better (92%) and feeling refreshed (98%).

* About one-third (32%) were not happy with their appearance after getting a poor night’s sleep.

On the subject of physical activity, the survey found that more than 90% of U.S. adults between the ages of 35 and 69 believe that exercise during the day will help them get a good night’s sleep.

The respondents said lack of good sleep increases their stress levels. One half of those surveyed said the absence of a good night’s sleep caused them to be cranky and irritable the next day. Nearly eight out of 10 Americans agree that getting a good night’s sleep benefits their career. Nearly all (98%) say that a good night’s sleep leaves them less stressed.

Among the findings on the connection between sleep and diet: One quarter of U.S. adults surveyed said they made bad food choices the day after a poor night’s sleep.

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