A calm mind can help lead to a good night’s sleep. Making positive changes to pre-bed behaviors and practices, also known as good sleep hygiene, is one of the many things we can help you with at The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona. Ultimately, doing something boring before bed, such as creating a to-do list for tomorrow to staying awake worrying about what lies ahead, can ease your mind and get you better sleep. According to a recent survey from US News & World Report, the poor sleep hygiene habits of Americans are seriously affecting the country’s sleep quality. The Report’s survey included 2,001 adults who were asked about their sleep quality, habits, and any sleep aids they use.
According to the findings, 41 percent of adults stated they lose sleep because they are worried about inflation and the cost of living. Plus, 22 percent of people said they were stressed about the Russia-Ukraine war while 22 percent also said they were worried about climate change. Additionally, 27 percent of respondents said gun violence in the country is what kept them awake. Unsurprisingly, there are still lingering worries about COVID-19 with 38 percent of respondents saying it made them lose sleep. Everyone has different stress triggers, and with each new worry you’re likely to lose more sleep.
How Our Thoughts Affect Our Sleep
The survey found that while 72 percent of Americans report having a “bedtime routine,” 36 percent of them also say they “rarely or never” wake up feeling rested. The lead author says, “It’s clear that some factors contributing to poor sleep quality among Americans include eating too much before bed (33%), falling asleep with the TV on (33%), and worrying (27%) about gun violence in the U.S.”
Some people simply “deal” with lack of sleep while others try to take matters into their own hands. The survey revealed that one in five Americans use “natural supplements to help them fall asleep.” However, just because a product is listed as natural doesn’t mean that it fully is. Sip2Sleep® is a truly organic drinkable supplement made with just two ingredients derived from plants: Montmorency tart cherry juice and Venetron®. The combination of melatonin found in Montmorency cherries and the stress-reducing effect of Venetron® makes for the perfect supplement for those who struggle to fall and stay asleep.
Other Reasons We Struggle to Sleep
According to the survey, almost half of Americans report that their partner snoring causes them to lose sleep. Snoring is one of the primary signs of sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If you or your partner snores, it’s important to see a sleep specialist right away to determine the cause and possibly commence treatment. Another issue may be that almost one in three American pet owners lets their fur babies sleep with them. This can cause sleep problems, possibly from your pet waking you up to play or be fed or due to undiagnosed pet dander allergies.
Respondents also report that 28 percent of them would give up their social life for a month in exchange for just one month of “perfect sleep.” Shockingly, 18 percent would give up their phone for a month for the same trade—given our dependency on electronics, that says a lot about the importance of sleep, how much we need it, and how much we value it. The good news is that better sleep is possible, but it requires working with a sleep expert to achieve.
No matter the cause of your poor sleep, whether it is worrying, a partner’s snoring, or an undiagnosed sleep disorder of your own, help is available. Sleep is not a luxury, but a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. The first step in getting the sleep you need is scheduling a consultation. A combination of treatments is usually best, including an organic supplement like Sip2Sleep® for most patients. To schedule your consultation with a sleep expert who can diagnose sleep disorders, contact us today. Call The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona or, for the fastest response, complete the online contact form right now.
