Why am I Counting Sheep?
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This information is brought to you by Orange County Health Department
- Marketing Department | Published May 2006

Sleep is essential to all humans’ well-beings. We spend a third of our lives asleep. Sleeping is just like breathing, we don’t really think about it unless our sleeping patterns are disturbed due to illness, stress, etc. The lack of sleep can hinder our work productivity and cause us to make more mistakes than are necessary in the course of an 8-hour work day.

Sleep impacts are health in various ways:

The Better Sleep Council conducted a stress and sleep survey to fi nd out what keeps Americans up at night. The findings reveal a range of insights on American stress and sleep cycles.

• 65% of Americans are losing sleep due to stress
• 32% of Americans are losing sleep at least one night a week
• 16% of Americans experience stress-induced insomnia

More women than men have trouble falling asleep at least one night per week. Individuals 45 and older admit to losing sleep due to stress.

Also, the survey focused on women’s wellness and the results show an interesting paradigm in how women approach their health.

27% of women say sleep is important to their well-being

16% of women would try getting good nights sleep to improve their overall wellness

31% of suburban moms are likely to make sleep a priority

50% of women with children agree that sleep is the best way to recharge, nine points higher than women without children

45% of women agree they feel most refreshed after a good nights sleep

26% of women are likely to invest in a mattress as an in home wellness item.

It is essential that everyone take time to recharge by getting a good night’s sleep. The quantity and quality of your sleep will determine whether you are bright-eyed and busy or sluggish and surly.

10 Tips to Getting a Good Nights Sleep

1. Keep a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends.
2. Develop and maintain a relaxing routine (i.e. listen to smooth jazz, reading a good book, etc.).
3. Create a dark, cool, relaxing environment- Turn off the television.
4. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow.
5. Use the bed for sleep and sleep related activities.
6. Eat at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
7. Exercise regularly.
8. Avoid nicotine products close to bedtime.
9. Avoid caffeine close to bedtime.
10. Avoid Alcohol close to bed time.

Source: http://www.bettersleep.org