Computer Keeping You Up?

Sleepy Connected Americans

The 2011 Sleep in America poll by the National Sleep Foundation finds Americans aren’t getting enough sleep because they’re spending too much time online, especially in the hour before going to bed. Communications technology is definitely taking a toll on Americans:

• 43% of Americans between the ages of 13 and 64 say they rarely or never get a good night’s sleep on weeknights. More than half (60%) experience a sleep problem every night or almost every night (like snoring, waking in the night, waking up too early, or feeling un-refreshed when they get up in the morning.)
• 63% of Americans say their sleep needs are not being met during the week. Most say they need about seven-and-a-half hours of sleep to feel their best, but report getting about six-hours-and-55-minutes of sleep on an average weeknight.
• 95% use some type of electronics like a television, computer, video game or cell phone at least a few nights a week within the hour before bed – which is not conducive to a good night’s sleep.
• Americans are coping with sleepiness by drinking caffeine and taking regular naps. The average person on a weekday drinks about three 12 ounce caffeinated beverages.

Find out more at www.sleepfoundation.org.

[Via:  National Sleep Foundation]