New survey results are waking Americans up to a widespread health issue — insomnia.
Even though 62% of Americans regularly suffer from symptoms of insomnia, only 20% believe they actually have the condition and merely 12% have been diagnosed by a doctor, according to the America: Insomnia Nation survey supported by Pernix Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.
Contrary to popular belief, insomnia is not just the inability to fall asleep. One of the most enlightening findings from the study was that over 50% of Americans are unable to stay asleep throughout the night.
The new survey, which sheds light on the nation’s behavior and attitudes toward insomnia and sleeplessness, also uncovered that:
- One average, nearly three-quarters of Americans (72%) are missing out on almost three weeks of sleep per year (470 hours);
- Many Americans (51%) feel that sleeplessness is glamorized and that successful people like CEOs and government or business leaders get less sleep than the average person. However research proves that a good night’s sleep can actually improve performance and spur creativity;
- A good night’s sleep can positively impact mood (74%) and productivity (70%); and
- When it comes to health, happiness and wellbeing, Americans rank getting a good night’s sleep second in importance (46%)—just behind spending time with their family (69%).
Thankfully, there are ways to help achieve a good night’s sleep, according to Dr. Adam Sorscher, Assistant Professor of Community and Family Medicine at The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.
“Following a regular shut-eye strategy like staying away from your cell phone before bed or blocking out light is one of the most critical ways to help you achieve a full night’s sleep,” said Dr. Sorscher. “But while most Americans acknowledge the importance of a good bedtime routine, only half regularly follow one. And for people with insomnia, practicing a good bedtime routine alone may not even be enough.”