With a go-go-go lifestyle and the economic landscape changing, it's no secret that Americans sleep significantly less than medical professionals recommend and even less than other cultures.
However, of the 800 U.S. adults surveyed online in Guideline's national survey, over 3 in 4 (76 percent of total respondents) reported having sleep difficulties, rising to 83 percent among women. Surprisingly, only a minority say they suffer from a medical condition causing their sleep difficulty - only four percent surveyed have been diagnosed as suffering from insomnia.
Morris S. Whitcup, PhD., Managing Director, Guideline, Inc says, "The appeal of a prescription medication for insomnia taken on a regular basis reflects the depth and pervasiveness of insomnia in the U.S."
Nearly half of those surveyed with sleep difficulties said they do not feel productive at work or school as a result of their sleeplessness, and over 13 percent admitted to falling asleep while driving.
Although consumers with insomnia reported being open to a variety of "solutions" for their sleeplessness, several key statistics stood out as the most widely-taken actions - four in 10 people reported taking medication, often a non-prescription remedy; one in five reported taking a prescription drug; 26 percent exercised more; 23 percent listened to relaxing music or sounds, and 17 percent bought new bedding. The importance of bedding is underscored by the fact that 74 percent of travelers cited it as an important factor in their selection of a hotel or motel.
