Sleep: the Best Mother’s Day Gift!
NSF’s 2007 Sleep in America poll, which focused on the sleep habits of women aged 18 to 64, revealed that American women are over-worked, stressed-out, and significantly sleepy. The poll also showed that pregnancy and motherhood can increase a woman’s risk of sleep problems and that whether you are a stay-at-home moms, a mom who work full-time or part-time there are specific sleep challenges you face. Take this quick quiz to learn whether you – like many moms in America – need better Zzzs.
- Do you feel refreshed when you wake up in the morning?
If you said “no,” you’re not alone. According to NSF's poll, 58% of stay-at-home moms, 56% of moms who work full-time, and 41% of moms who work part-time say they wake up feeling unrefreshed at least a few days a week or more. Waking up feeling unrefreshed could be a sign of a sleep problem. Click here to learn more about the signs and symptoms of sleep disorders.
- Do you ever have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep?
NSF's poll revealed that 74% of stay-at-home moms, 72% of full-time working moms, and 60% of part-time working moms experience symptoms of insomnia a few nights a week. If you're having trouble sleeping, visit NSF's online Treatment for Insomnia Center for sleep-smart tips and strategies.
- Does snoring keep you or your loved ones awake?
Many people believe that snoring is innocent, but snoring is associated with increased blood pressure and is a classic sign of sleep apnea, a serious and potentially life-threatening sleep disorder if left untreated. NSF's poll found that approximately one third of moms (and all women) snore at least a few nights a week. Many women are also kept awake by their bed partner's snoring and suffer as a result. Learn more about snoring and sleep apnea – including how to reduce your risk – in NSF's Topics: A to Zzzz’s.
- Is your sleep interrupted during the night?
A variety of sleep problems - including nightmares, leg movements during sleep, sleepwalking, and restless legs syndrome, a disorder in which unpleasant feelings in the legs and an urge to move them interferes with sleep and daily activities – can rob you of a good night’s sleep. According to NSF's poll, 43% of moms who work full-time and 41% of those who work part-time or stay-at-home experience a symptom of a sleep disorder a few nights a week or more. Many women also lose sleep due to nighttime disturbances by children, pets, needing to go to the bathroom, pain, stress, nightmares, and household noise. Learn more about common sleep problems and how to cope with them in NSF's Topics: A to Zzzs . Then, find out how to reduce the chances of your child waking up – and waking you up – by establishing good sleep habits early for your kids.
- Are you a java junkie?
Many moms in America rely on caffeine to combat daytime sleepiness. In fact, moms drink 2.5 cups of caffeinated beverages per day on average, according to NSF’s poll. Caffeine is not harmful in moderation, but too much can cause insomnia. Test your knowledge of caffeine’s effects on the body with NSF’s Caffeine IQ Quiz.
- Is sleepiness affecting your love life?
Lack of sleep affects virtually every aspect of women’s lives, including their sex lives. According to NSF's poll, 44% of full-time working moms, 39% of stay-at-home moms, and 28% of part-time working moms say they are too tired for sex. Check out these tips for getting the sleep you need, and then learn how to create an ideal environment for sleep – and romance!
- Do you drive under the influence of sleepiness?
Drowsy driving is responsible for thousands of deaths and injuries each year. Many moms report drowsy driving and 19% say they have done so with children in the car. Learn how to recognize fatigue while driving and get tips for preventing a fall-asleep crash at www.drowsydriving.org.
- What keeps you from your Zzzs?
Many moms put off going to sleep in order to watch television or catch up on their daily chores, leaving them seriously sleepy the next day. NSF’s poll found that in the hour before going to bed, 73% of full-time working moms and 71% of stay-at-home moms do housework in the hour before bed and 88% of part-time working moms watch television. Check out these tips for learning how to make time for sleep and feel your best every day.
