Sleep News – New Research in the World of Sleep

America, we’re not sleeping well and it’s time to fix the problem – or suffer the health consequences heading our way

It’s not news that many of us don’t get the sleep we know we need. But what might surprise you is the health issues waiting for us as we age, sleep deprived and grumpy. On the other side of the scale sits the problem of sleeping too much – and it carries just as much risk. The good news is that sleeping better can often be fixed at home, without a doctor or medication.

Sometimes the answer is simply a new mattress – but we all know what a nightmare buying a new mattress can be…

The rewards of sleeping better? How does better health, higher intelligence and happier relationships sound to you? Thanks to new research this week, better sleep health is within reach and there’s lots to dig into so enjoy!

According to CNN, nearly half of American adults are sleep deprived

When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, we’re failing. And that failure is beginning to impact our health says a new study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study, which is the first to separately evaluate sleep duration between workdays and free days, analyzed sleep data on more than 9,000 Americans age 20 and older. More than 30% reported an hour of sleep debt per week and nearly 1 in 10 had a sleep debt of two hours or more. Read more on cnn.com

3 ways to fix your sleep issues when nothing else works

There are several reasons we lie awake – from sleep apnea to iron deficiency to trauma to circadian issues to an unsupportive mattress. Some of these issues require help from a physician. But for many of us, our sleep issues can be fixed at home – without a doctor or the use of drugs. Once you understand that sleep is a natural bodily function, it’s easier to manage. Read more on washingtonpost.com

Sleep and intelligence are linked, study finds

A new study has found that verbal intelligence may be more prominent in early-birds than night-owls. The study challenges modern research that points to night owls having stronger cognitive abilities in problem solving, abstract reasoning and working memory. There may be merit to the old saying, “the early bird gets the worm.” Read more on ctvnews.ca

How to fix your sleep schedule

Waking up feeling well-rested is about more than getting a full 8 hours of sleep. So what gives? How much sleep do we actually need? Are the supplements and things we do to catch some zzz’s helping or making things worse? To settle the debate once and for all, experts weigh in their advice for finding the perfect sleep schedule for you and your body. Read more on allure.com

Is sleeping too much bad for you?

Good quality sleep is linked to overall physical and mental health, but is sleeping too much bad for you? Put simply, it can be. Oversleeping has been linked to a higher risk of chronic illnesses including coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, anxiety and obesity, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine. But how much sleep you need depends on your age, activity level, general health and lifestyle, and this figure will change over the course of your life. Read more on livescience.com

8 mattress myths debunked

Do you know when, why and how to buy a new mattress? Being able to sort through the clutter of information in the mattress industry and hone in on what matters to you – a GREAT night’s sleep – will help you make an informed purchase. Before you visit a mattress retailer, arm yourself with a healthy dose of common sense and learn the difference between myth and truth. Read more on restonic.com

Rest well & wake up ready to go!

Better sleep gives rise to better mornings, bringing your goals into focus and dreams within reach. Hungry for more sleep info? Dig into these posts:

• Habits of highly effective nappers
• How to reduce stress and sleep better
• Top experts get serious about sleep apnea