Limited Time Sleep Offer

We should be sleeping now. Most of the staff is snoring in their beds and here we are still up doing a story of how difficult it is for some people to get to sleep. What we discovered is that the organization in charge of the study, the National Sleep Foundation, has been putting forward information on sleep for the last few years. The problem we found was that their information sometimes contradicts their research. Last year (2009) their suggestions to get better sleep was the following:

• Do not eat for two hours before bed Sleep in complete darkness in a cool environment
• Exercise regularly, but don’t exercise for at least 3 hours before bedtime – a workout after that time may actually keep you awake because your body has not had a chance to cool down
  
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages before bedtime - Sleep Foundation (NSF) August 2009

What we find most interesting is in their 2009 efforts that included a telephone number for people to call who can't get to sleep. See if you can find what's wrong with the following information from National Sleep Foundation:

"The hotline, 888-TIME 4 SLEEP (846-3475), will be staffed by NSF sleep center members, medically trained sleep professionals who will offer tailored solutions to callers with common sleep problems and provide screening for common sleep disorders. The hotline will be open until September 15, Monday through Friday, 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The hotline's hours of operation coincide with the peak hours when people are getting ready for bed or experiencing sleep problems." - Sleep Foundation (NSF) August 2009.

When they're asleep (after 1am) you should be asleep or don't call us they seem to be saying. Why would anyone remember to call a number that isn't available 24 hours. Call and ask them for us won't you. We're got to get some sleep. Here's their suggestions for better sleep for 2010 if you can't or are unable to fall asleep!

"If you’re lying in bed for more than 15 minutes, get up and do something relaxing, like taking a warm bath, reading or meditating. Try to clear your mind; don’t use this time to solve your daily problems. When staying in a hotel, ask for a room with eastern or southern exposure for more morning sun to help reset your clock to new time zones. When traveling, bring a nightlight or penlight if you get up at night to avoid disturbing the body's circadian clock." - Sleep Foundation (NSF) August 2009

Who the heck is the NSF? We asked the same question and here's what they said:

The National Sleep Foundation is dedicated to improving sleep health and safety through education, public awareness, and advocacy. It is well-known for its annual Sleep in America poll. The Foundation is a charitable, educational and scientific not-for-profit organization located in Washington, DC. Its membership includes researchers and clinicians focused on sleep medicine, professionals in the health, medical and science fields, individuals, patients, families affected by drowsy driving and more than 900 healthcare facilities throughout North America. - Sleep Foundation (NSF) March 2010

"Health and Safety?!?" Sleep is unsafe? Maybe Freddy is real? Though they don't seem to mention him in their study.. Maybe we shouldn't go to sleep right now!

Most interesting is what the Foundation found concerning the "united colors" and race. Based in the District of Columbia the 2010 sleep study revealed the following information:

• Blacks/African-Americans report the busiest bedtime routines.
• Asians report getting the best sleep, report the least amount of sleep problems and infrequent use of sleep aids.
• While Blacks/African-Americans report the least amount of sleep, they also say they need less sleep.
• Hispanics are the most likely to say they are kept awake by financial, employment, personal relationship and/or health-related concerns.
• Whites are the most likely to report sleeping with their pets and/or their significant other/spouse.
• Among those married or partnered respondents with children, Asians (28%) and Hispanics (22%) are the most likely to report that they sleep in the same room with their children (compared to 15% of Blacks/African-Americans and 8% of Whites).
• Sleep disorder diagnosis is uneven among the four ethnic groups.
• Ethnic groups seek help for sleep problems differently. - (NSF)

It's a sleep thing. You wouldn't understand. We bet you're sleeping right now aren't you. Hope Freddy doesn't get you! Though the "Westin Hotels is sponsored this public service (the toll free number) in celebration of its 10th Anniversary of the Heavenly Bed" it didn't influence the foundation's sleep suggestions at all. If it was the Serta company sponsoring and funding the National Sleep Foundation they would have suggested counting sheep we bet!