A NSF survey released Tuesday, March 6, 2007 found that the majority of women polled (about 80%) report being drowsy during any given day. Of those women, 65% drink three or more cups of coffee or equivalent caffeinated drinks such as colas.
The report found that working mothers (at 72%) and single, working women (at 68%) are the two highest groups of women to feel sleepy during the day and to experience insomnia and other sleeping problems at night.
Although these results are not typically new, other results within the study are unique. When the pollsters surveyed over one thousand women between the ages of 18 and 64 years, they found that right before going to bed most women were doing housework, working on the computer, or watching TV. Medical researchers have found that such activities actually make it more difficult to fall asleep and remain asleep.
Experts on sleep and sleep disorders report that an hour before going to bed, women (and men) should avoid those activities. Instead, they should be winding down from their day’s activities.
Sleep problems are continuing to plague people’s health when living and working within industrialized countries. It especially places women at risk. The survey conducted by the NSF found a clear correlation between poor sleep habits and moodiness. In fact, over 50% of women taking the survey reported that they had felt sad, depressed, or unhappy during at least one time during the past one month. Over 30% felt feelings of hopelessness. Such results have been found in other similar surveys and studies.
Experts find that to get the best night’s sleep: relax beforehand, go to bed at the same time each night, don’t drink caffeinated drinks in the late afternoons or evenings, don't drink alcoholic beverages in the evenings, and make sure the bedroom is dark and quiet. If all else fails, see your family doctor for help.
