Trend shows a drop in quality and quantity of sleep over a decade that
could keep going, and impact Boomer health
TORONTO, May 6 /CNW/ - If you're a Canadian Baby Boomer, new research
indicates you likely have a complicated and unhealthy relationship with sleep
at a time when you need it the most. New data from The Better Sleep Council
Canada finds that even as sleep becomes more important to health as we age,
Baby Boomers are not getting sufficient quality sleep and are neglecting its
powerful ability to support a healthy lifestyle.
A full 73 per cent of Boomers say a good night's sleep is very important,
particularly now more than it was ten years ago. Yet 42 per cent admit to
getting less sleep today than a decade ago, and 44 per cent admit the quality
of their sleep is also worse. Looking ahead ten years, another one-quarter
expect to get even less sleep than they do today.
May is Better Sleep Month, and this year the Better Sleep Council Canada
is encouraging Baby Boomers to analyze their sleep habits, and providing a
prescription to help them take concrete steps now to improve their sleep
quality during these critical years.
"Sleep is a neglected medicine for Canada's Baby Boomers," said Dr. Alan
Kaplan, a family physician, on behalf of the Better Sleep Council Canada. "The
"sandwich" generation, many are taking care of their own children and parents,
retiring later and generally not slowing down - and they may not be realizing
how their body and sleep needs are changing over the years. A key prescription
for better Boomer health and stress reduction is better quality sleep - and
that means paying attention to your sleep habits and your bed."
The vicious Boomer health and sleep cycle
The pressures on the Boomer generation are showcased in what is keeping
them awake at night. An overwhelming 60 per cent say that stress disrupts
their sleep, followed by the effects of aging; over one-quarter said either
back pain or other health issues are stopping them from sleeping (29 per cent
and 27 per cent respectively).
But with all this lack of and disrupted sleep, Boomers aren't making the
effort to improve it. In fact, while they say sleep is important to them, in
practice sleep ranks low on their list of what's important to them in
maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Only 6 per cent of Boomers believe that sleep is key for a healthy life.
Limiting stress and exercising or keeping fit are their top priorities for
healthy living. But one can't be achieved without the other, according to
Dr. Kaplan.
"There is obviously a missing link with Boomers when it comes to sleep
and health, and it's consistent with what I hear from my own patients," said
Dr. Kaplan. "Stress, aching bodies and health issues are blamed for bad or
interrupted sleep. But it's that lack of sleep that actually makes these
conditions worse. Quality sleep on a supportive mattress actually reduces
stress, boosts the immune system, supports the back and helps the body
recover. It's a basic concept that's often forgotten."
Changing bodies, changing mattresses
We spend one-third of our lives sleeping on our mattress, and many
changes are happening over the approximately 30 years within the Boomer
generation that could impact their mattresses' comfort, support and hygiene.
According to Dr. Kaplan, weight gain, conditions like menopause that cause
insomnia and increased night sweats, and increased respiratory issues that
could be exacerbated by mold in older mattresses, are all cause for Boomers to
check what they're sleeping on.
The Better Sleep Council Canada survey shows that 1 in 5 Baby Boomers
have had the same mattress for more than ten years, and 30 per cent have had
it for more than five years. When it comes to replacing it, another one-third
either haven't thought about it at all, or don't plan on buying one for
another ten years or more.
"Boomers should look at their mattress as a health device. While stress
and medical issues can keep them up at night, they likely don't realize that
their own bed could also be the culprit - it's a no brainer," said Dr. Kaplan.
"As your body and sleep needs change, your bed should change to support you.
That means checking it regularly to ensure it's still comfortable, and
replacing it on a ten year cycle through your 40s, 50s and 60s."
The prescription for better Boomer sleep and health
"Boomers are truly a dynamic group placing high demands on their lives
while their bodies are going through major change," said Dr. Kaplan. "From
those with high stress levels, to "aging jocks" who are still physically hard
on their bodies and need to recover, to the 58 per cent of Boomer women who
will lose sleep when menopause hits, Canadians in each decade of the Boomer
years can enhance their lives by embracing the healing benefits of sleep."- Get your back up: if you have back pain, stretch at night and in the
morning, and learn an exercise routine to strengthen your core
stomach and back muscles.
- Tackle stress during the day: determine what the source of your
stress is and tackle it during the day, not night. Keep a notepad by
your bed for last minute notes, and find a routine like reading to
calm your mind before hitting the sack.
- Act your age: when it comes to physical activity. Overly rugged
sports can cause body aches and pains that impact sleep; inactive
Boomers should start a regular exercise routine to keep fit and help
facilitate sleep
- Ask: what are you lying on? check your mattress regularly for
comfort, support and hygiene. Night sweats can cause the mattress to
break down faster and dust mites and other allergens can stir
respiratory issues. Replace every 8 to 10 years.
- Tell your doctor: if you can't determine what is waking you up at
night, or suspect a medical issue, see your doctor for help
Canadian Boomers can visit www.bettersleep.ca for a Boomer-specific quiz
to help them realize whether their sleep habits might be impacting their
health.
Other survey results include:
- When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, only 6 per cent of
Boomers believe quality sleep is important. Top factors included:
limiting the amount of stress they experience (22 per cent);
exercising or keeping fit (21 per cent); maintaining a balanced diet
(18 per cent); and having a good relationship with their partner or
spouse (18 per cent).
- Boomer women place more importance on sleep than men, with 79.4%
saying it's very important versus 65.3% of men
- The older the Boomer, the less sleep their getting - 46.3% of those
aged 53-62 are getting less sleep today, compared to just 39.4% of
those aged 43.52.
- Boomers in BC have the worst quality of sleep today; over half (54%),
closely followed by Ontarians at 50.1%.
- 18 per cent of older Boomers, aged 53-62, say sleeping on an old or
uncomfortable mattress disrupts their sleep.
- When it comes to sleep disruptors, one quarter of Boomers said their
partner's sleep behavior woke them up, and another quarter claimed
they just didn't have enough hours in the day to do everything they
need to do, so sleep suffers.
- Over one-third (34 per cent) of Boomers say they are likely to
downsize their home in the next ten years.Established in 2002, The Better Sleep Council Canada is committed to
educating Canadians about the importance of sleep to good health and quality
of life and to promote the value that a better quality mattress and foundation
can bring when regularly replaced within the sleep environment. The BSCC is
comprised of over 450 manufacturers, retailers and component suppliers from
the mattress industry.
About the poll
The online Canadian survey was conducted for the Better Sleep Council
Canada by Leger Marketing from April 15 to April 18, 2008. Results from this
nation-wide sample of 1,011 Canadian Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1965
are considered accurate to within +/- 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
Attention Editors: regional poll results available
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For further information: Catharine Marion or Meredith Adolph, Environics
Communications, (416) 969-2809 or (416) 969-2667, cmarion@environicspr.com,
madolph@environicspr.com
