A Growing Problem in the Lone Star State
The recommended amount of sleep needed is seven to eight hours, but according to a new study from leading online sleep retailer, MattressNextDay, Texas residents are averaging only 6.54 hours of sleep per night. This falls short of the seven-hour minimum recommended by the Sleep Foundation, making it a growing problem in the state.
What’s Keeping Texans from Getting a Full Night’s Sleep?
- Sleep interruptions are a huge area of concern.
- 14% of Texas residents do not maintain a regular bedtime even during weekdays.
- Respondents reported waking up an average of 2.48 times each night.
The report examined bedtime habits and found that waking up to go to the restroom is a major issue. 65% of Texans say they wake up to use the facilities. Other causes for waking up include thirst (22%), room being too hot (22%), and bad dreams and worries about the following day’s to-do list (15%).
What Texans Are Doing to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
| Remedy | Percentage of Respondents |
|---|---|
| Watching TV | 48% |
| Using a relaxation app | 15% |
| Having a warm beverage | 12% |
| Reading a book | 11% |
| Getting a massage | 6% |
The Weekend Effect
The study found that sleep time increases slightly on weekends to 7.22 hours. This is likely due to the fact that many Texans attempt to catch up on sleep during the weekends.
Common Causes of Waking Up
- Waking up to use the restroom
- Thirst
- Room being too hot
- Bad dreams and worries about the following day’s to-do list
Taking Action to Improve Sleep Hygiene
While the study found that many Texans are struggling with sleep hygiene, there are steps that can be taken to improve it. For example, establishing a regular bedtime routine, using relaxation techniques, and creating a sleep-conducive environment can all help.
Recommendations
- Go to bed at a consistent time every night, even on weekends.
- Create a sleep-conducive environment by making your bedroom a dark, quiet space.
- Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime, such as watching TV or using electronic devices.
Conclusion
If Texans are struggling to get a good night’s sleep, it’s time to take action. By making a few simple changes to our bedtime habits and sleep environment, we can all improve our sleep hygiene and wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. As the study found, it’s not just a Texas thing – it’s a problem that affects us all.