Quality sleep is essential for overall health, but many struggle to achieve it. In an annual survey, thousands of Americans shared their sleep habits.
The National Institutes of Health recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night, but 58% of respondents reported sleeping six to seven hours, with 20% only getting four to five hours.
Additionally, 25% use sleep aids, and 89% of adults wake up regularly during the night, with 40% waking up often.
Challenges with sleep
Sleep expert Wendy Troxel, PhD, cited stress and other health conditions like chronic pain, sleep disorders, and environmental factors as reasons for sleep disruptions.
She mentioned that temperature can affect sleep quality, with a cooler environment promoting better sleep. Experts recommend a temperature between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal rest.
“If you wake up and can’t get back to sleep, get out of bed and do something calming but distracting.”
To create a sleep-friendly environment, invest in temperature-regulating bedding and mattresses, and practice stimulus control when waking up during the night.
Menopause can also impact sleep, with hormonal fluctuations affecting thermoregulation. Troxel advised against checking the clock when waking up in the middle of the night to reduce stress and anxiety.
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