Research reveals common sleep disruptions

Media Release
7 September 2016

Research reveals common sleep disruptions

Sleep deprivation getting to you? Head drooping at work? You’re not alone. Around six out of 10 New Zealanders say they feel exhausted during the day, simply from lack of sleep.

And, if you are in the 30-39 age range, you are more likely than any other age group to have a tiring day.

These are just a couple of the findings from the recent Colmar Brunton research*, commissioned by Sealy NZ.

So what’s keeping us awake at night?

Perhaps, not surprisingly, the kids are partly to blame. Half the couples with children say they find it difficult to enjoy a consistent sleep routine because of family life.

The impact of family life is a factor too, with 52 percent of those questioned saying other family members are disturbing the quality of their sleep.

However, it’s uncomfortable sleeping conditions (heat and cold for example) that are the most common causes of wakefulness, with fifty-eight percent of respondents noting this as a primary disturbance.

As a result of this, we often feel tired during the day, mostly after lunch between 2 and 5pm. It’s then that 48 percent of respondents say they feel fatigued. Interestingly, 16 percent feel most exhausted at the start of the work day, before 9am.

Lack of, or poor sleep can cause a range of issues, according to the survey respondents. Around half of those surveyed are unable to concentrate (52 percent) and are less productive at home (50 percent), whilst women report they are more likely to make unhealthy food choices when tired (40 percent).

We employ a range of techniques to help us nod off. Understandably, 57 percent of us try a regular sleep schedule or routine. And, the message seems to be getting through to cut down on caffeine (36 percent) and to avoid bright lights (30 percent).

Dr Karyn O’Keeffe, a researcher at the Sleep Wake Research Centre at Massey University in Wellington says, “The results of this survey align well with large population surveys that have been conducted in New Zealand. They too, have highlighted that a significant proportion of the population wake feeling unrefreshed.

“It’s great to see there is increasing awareness about factors that can disrupt sleep, particularly those that we may have some influence over. With time, we may start to see a shift in sleep quality that leads to improvement in how we feel during the day.”

Sealy NZ commissioned the research to support its good sleep programme during September. The company’s New Zealand marketing manager Jenni Gaze says the survey is a timely reminder of the value of good sleep.

“There is no substitute for a great night’s sleep in terms of keeping you on the ball and ready to take on the day,” Ms Gaze says. “Your bed is an important factor in helping to ensure quality sleep; the Sealy Posturepedic Enhance bed combines the latest technology with comfort and support to ensure you get the best sleep you can.”

Put to the test

The Sealy Posturepedic Enhance bed, which features the unique SRxII® alternating spring technology, has recently been put to the test by three active New Zealand women.

Silver Fern Anna Harrison, former Silver Fern Leana de Bruin and blogger Vanessa Rehm are all juggling hectic work or training schedules with young families and have been sleeping on Sealy Posturepedic Enhance beds.

Anna has noticed a big difference in the quality of her sleep and Leana says she is sleeping so much better now, while Vanessa says she wakes feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

The breakthrough alternating spring technology in the Sealy Posturepedic Enhance bed senses the body’s weight and responds to provide support the body needs. The SRxII® coil is made from titanium alloy for strength, resilience and durability, providing stability and a reduction in horizontal movement. The Enhance bed features luxurious fabrics, which are teamed with premium comfort layers, to ensure an amazing level of comfort and support, creating a sleep experience only Sealy Posturepedic can provide.

* How are NZers Sleeping, Colmar Brunton Research, online research of 600 nationally representative household decision makers aged 25-59 years, who have purchased a bed in the past five years or are intending to purchase a bed in the next five years, conducted during March/April 2016.

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