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Americans wake up on “the wrong side of the bed” 300 times a year, meaning only about 65 mornings are “good” ones – according to new research.
With outside noise, temperature and unusual dreams as root causes of disruption, Americans wake up feeling grumpy an average of six times a week.
The survey of 2,000 Americans found respondents wake up from temperature issues approximately three times a week and at least once from both outside noise and unusual dreams or nightmares.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Hatch.co, the survey examined respondents sleeping habits and their tips and tricks on how to catch quality Zzz’s.
Results found that those surveyed will only spend a quarter of the year getting a full, uninterrupted night’s sleep.
For the rest of the year, respondents will spend an average of 90 minutes lying awake in the middle of the night. That means waking up twice a night on average and staying awake for at least 45 minutes each time.
That’s not surprising, as 72 percent of those surveyed reported needing more or better quality sleep.
Three in 10 respondents point the finger at stress and anxiety causing them to wake unexpectedly from their slumber. Other common culprits included needing to use the restroom (75 percent) and temperature issues (36 percent).
Americans in relationships also reported their partner’s sleeping habits contribute to waking up in the middle of the night – with snoring being the number one disruptor at 30 percent.
Other partner habits that wake Americans up in the middle of the night included tossing and turning (19 percent) and differences in bedtime (31 percent).
Despite these pet peeves, 67 percent of those surveyed in relationships said they still prefer to sleep alongside their loved one. On the contrary, nearly a quarter of those in relationships prefer to sleep alone.
The average American reports having sex one to two times per week, and 42 percent said having regular sex helps them get a better night’s sleep.
Significant others weren’t the only disruptive bed mates troubling Americans’ sleep. Of those surveyed with pets, furry friends were found to negatively impact their sleep at least once a week.
The survey also found that 60 percent of those surveyed with pets allow them to sleep in their bed, compared to the 23 percent of those surveyed with children who allow them to enjoy that same privilege.
“Sleeping well on a consistent basis can be a tall task,” said Ann Crady Weiss, co-founder and CEO of Hatch. “Good quality sleep is so important for maintaining our health, yet there are so many factors, from daily stresses and varying environments to pre-bedtime activities, that can disrupt a good night’s sleep.”
When considering pre-bedtime habits, the results found bringing work into the bedroom and checking or sending emails tied for the most negative impact on Americans’ sleep – at 33 percent.
One-third of respondents also reported negative impacts on their sleep from scrolling through or posting on social media before bed.
On the contrary, 43 percent of those surveyed said spending time watching movies or TV had a positive impact on their sleep.
“Living a well-rested lifestyle is an attainable goal,” said Crady Weiss. “Consistencies at bedtime, understanding your ideal sleep environment and prioritizing sleep and wellness will help you develop a healthy sleep routine.”
TOP 3 BEDTIME HABITS THAT NEGATIVELY IMPACT SLEEP QUALITY
1. Completing work-related tasks 33%
2. Checking/sending emails 33%
3. Scrolling through social media 32%
TOP 3 BEDTIME HABITS THAT POSITIVELY IMPACT SLEEP QUALITY
1. Reading books/magazines 47%
2. Watching TV/movies 43%
3. Meditation 41%
TOP 5 THINGS THAT WAKE UP AMERICANS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
1. Using the restroom 75%
2. Temperature is too hot/cold 37%
3. Stress/anxiety 31%
4. Partner’s snoring 30%
5. Outside noises 20%
Times a week Americans wake up feeling annoyed in the morning from…
• Temperature is too cold 1.24
• Temperature is too warm 1.74
• Outside noise 1.38
• Nightmare/unusual dream 1.4
TOTAL = 5.76 x 52 weeks/year = 299.52
Nights per month Americans get a full, uninterrupted night’s sleep:
• 7.58 nights/month of full, uninterrupted night’s sleep x 12 months a year = 90.96 nights/year
• 90.96x100/365 = 24.92 percent of a year
