For good health, you need good sleep. And research into American sleep patterns reveals what you probably need to fix to get better sleep.
A survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation shows that both chronic and acute pain is keeping people awake at night. On average, someone with chronic pain has their nightly sleep shortened by an average of more than 40 minutes. For those who have suffered some type of acute pain during the past seven days, sleep is shortened by an average of about 14 minutes.
The researchers believe that for better sleep (and better health), you need to focus on getting to sleep at a consistent bedtime and allow yourself plenty of time to sleep.
“Taking control of your sleep by being motivated, setting a routine bedtime and creating a supportive sleep environment are relevant even for those with pain,” says David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation. “Sleep is a key marker of health, and good sleep habits are critical for improving the quality of life of those living with chronic or acute pain.”
The survey found that a little over 20 percent of Americans are in chronic pain. Another 36 percent report suffering a chronic pain in the past week: That means that most Americans report that pain is interfering with their sleep.
The people who said they were in pain also felt that they had less control over their sleep.
The researchers emphasize that for better sleep you should:
- Keep your bedroom totally dark.
- Keep noise in the bedroom to a minimum.
- Turn down your thermostat at night.
- Invest in a better mattress.
“Understanding the importance of sleep and taking a proactive approach to bed times can help everyone improve their sleep, even people with pain,” says researcher Kristen Knutson. “Taking control of your sleep is an important step in taking control of your health.”
