Better Sleep Council Survey Results

While this may feel like a bit of a no-brainer, there are some new statistics from the Better Sleep Council showing that there is “an alarming decline in quality of work, poor judgment and trouble retaining information as the top work-related consequences from lack of sleep. In fact, 44 percent said they were likely to be in an unpleasant or unfriendly mood -- all bad news for employers, employees and customers.”

The study also showed that people are turning to quick fix strategies from caffeine and energy drinks (33%), and to more healthy choices like taking a nap (17%) and going outside for fresh air and sunlight (18%).

But only 13% are willing to get more sleep in the evening. 

The next area of interest for them was mattresses.

Their survey indicates that 50% of consumers sleep on mattresses that are more than 5 years old and 24% sleep on mattresses that are more than 8 years old!

An interesting statistic: The weight of your mattress will double in 7 years from excess sweat, oil and dust mites living in your mattress - basically it turns into a toxic waste dump!

The article went on to report:

According to a recently released article in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine titled "Subjective Rating of Perceived Back Pain, Stiffness and Sleep Quality Following Introduction of Medium-Firm Bedding Systems", Oklahoma State University researchers suggest that the quality of sleep is directly affected by the age of the sleep system. In fact, the study showed new bedding systems provided immediate and sustained benefits in sleep comfort and quality plus reduced back pain.

So the moral of the story is simple. Getting a new mattress every 5-7 years is indeed a great idea.