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Clocks Changing - Extra Hour in Bed, but are Brits a Sleepless Nation?

Getting a good night's sleep is vital for your health, and with the long winter nights drawing in, Brits are snuggling up in bed earlier and for longer.
Health, Lifestyle - 28 October 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
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With the clock change just around the corner and winter nights drawing in, Brits are snuggling up in bed earlier and for longer. A good night's sleep is vital for your health, but new research has revealed that only half of us (50%) get one good night's sleep a week and over a third (34%) regularly sleep for five hours or less a night, instead of the recommended minimum of seven hours.

Getting a good night's rest is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system, and this should be at the forefront of Brits minds when worrying over seasonal flu and cold epidemics. Dust mites living, in old pillows and mattresses can affect our health, and yet many of us are not aware of the prominence of such creatures: an average mattress can contain tens of thousands of house dust mites and their waste, as much as 10% of the weight of a two year old pillow is composed of dead mites and their droppings, making it essential that you pay attention to the state of your bedding.

With the unfortunate cocktail of increased energy costs and darker, colder nights, Brits are more inclined to snuggle up into duvets, confine themselves to the bedroom and shut out the world. Technology has played a part in transforming the bedroom landscape; with an abundance of handheld devices and entertainment gadgets, we spend more time in this room than ever before, because we have no reason to be anywhere else! Our attitude towards the boudoir is changing, as are our habits!

. Introduction:

The clock change is just around the corner, we've got an extra hour in bed to look forward to! But with it comes the darker, colder nights' meaning we're spending even more time in our boudoirs! Add the increasing energy bills into the mix, and our bedrooms are getting more attention now than ever before, with the majority of us choosing to snuggle up in the comfort of the covers. But how is this change affecting our sleep? New research has revealed that only half us are getting ONE good night's sleep a week. We've all been grumpy in the morning from a restless night, but not getting enough kip can actually have a serious effect on your health, with restlessness being blamed for impaired concentration, increased stress levels and even weight gain.

So what can we do to improve our bedroom environment and ensure a good night's shut eye?

Joining us to discuss this further is Sammy Margo, a Chartered Physiotherapist, Sleep Expert and author of The Good Sleep Guide.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research reveal about getting a good night's sleep in our area?

What are the consequences of sleeplessness?

What can people do to improve their bedroom environment?

Sammy, can you give us your five top tips when it comes to drifting off into a peaceful sleep?

And if we still can't get off to sleep, what would you suggest?

Where can we find more information?