Is The UK Sleep Deprived?

IS THE UK SLEEP DEPRIVED? The average Brit gets less than the recommended daily amount of sleep; in the modern age we have so many more distractions and priorities that our sleep quality is suffering. But what exactly is the importance of a good nights sleep, and how are our habits for neglecting sleep and our vulnerability to suffer from sleep disorders affecting our wider health? Poor sleep means an increased risk of depression, immune deficiency and People who sleep more than 7 hours are 3x less likely to catch a cold. heart disease. A poor nights sleep makes it 55% harder Sleep improves memory power l in 3 Brits regularly Sleep improves the immune system. by 33.5%. to lose weight. battle with insomnia. Good sleep increases; empathy, creativity, mental capacity & stress management. Insomnia drastically increases (55%) the likelihood of suffering relationship How Britain Sleeps issues. Experts recommend between 6-9 hours a People who sleep less than 6 hours a night could be at greater risk night depending on individual needs. of heart attack or stroke. 12 D YOU KNOW 42% of Brits who 20% More than Only get 8 hours or more a night 1.5 have less than 6 hours anight use sleeping pills shouldn't, because they have had sleep issues for 1/2 million Brits suffer from Parasomnias. This can range from texting or eating whilst asleep to over a decade. even attempting to drive a car. 710 have less than 7 hours 6. INSOMNIA WHAT CAUSES INSOMNIA? STRESS ANXIETY DEPRESSION ASTHMA SOME MEDICATIONS SUBSTANCE ABUSE Top 5 Physical Factors Top 5 Persistent Thoughts Bodily discomfort 67% Kept awake by noise 36% Kept awake by ones partner 34% High or low room temperature 34% Affected by light levels in room 19% What happened today/tomorrow 82% How long have I been lying awake 79% Trivial things of no importance 76% What the future might hold 71% Things that happened 71% How To Avoid a Restless Night Avoid heavy meals late at night. Use thick blinds or curtains to block out light. Use an eye-mask or ear plugs to prevent disturbance from light or noise. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks or sugary food. Do not exercise late at night as this could keep you awake once you're in bed. At least 30 mins of exercise in the day should help you to wind down at night though. Set regular times to wake up. Sleeping in at the weekend can affect your body clock. Taking a magnesium supplement 1-2 hours before bed can help relax muscles and aid sleep. Only use your bedroom for sleeping, and avoid watching tv or using digital devices before bed. Instead have a sleep routine to help you wind down such as reading a book or listing to music. A warm bath with essential oils will help you to relax physically and mentally & promote sleep. Liam Duffy Sources: www.greatbritishsleepsurvey.com | www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk | www.netdoctor.co.uk | www.nutripeople.co.uk | www.bbc.co.uk/health SimplySupplements Healthy living. made simpler! www.simplysupplements.co.uk