Read the report.

The BSC launched wave two of “The State of America’s Sleep” in January 2020, but then completed another round of research in March 2020, to compare sleep habits during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Themes such as spikes in stress, health worries and economic concerns emerged from the study:

• Stress Skyrockets:
  • In January 2020, four in 10 (41%) Americans reported feeling stressed often or very often. As of March, over half Americans (53%) felt stressed about COVID-19 often or very often.
• Sleep Suffers:
  • • In January 2020, 54% of Americans were getting the minimum 7-8 hours of recommended sleep. As of March, fewer than half (49%) did.
    • Similarly, in January 2020, over four in 10 Americans described their sleep as poor or fair (43%). As of March, over half of the nation qualified their sleep as poor or fair (52%).
• Economic Woes:
  • • About one-third of the nation felt good about the economy in January 2020 (38%) vs. less than 20% did as of March 2020.
    • Lack of confidence in the stock market prevailed in the nation in March (56% of Americans disagree that they have confidence in the stock market vs. 39% in January 2020).

“It’s no surprise that COVID-19 negatively impacted Americans’ health and the extreme two-month sleep shift is alarming,” said Mary Helen Rogers, vice president of marketing and communications for the Better Sleep Council. “However, if we take our findings and help Americans unwind and sleep better during this pandemic, we’ll fulfill our role as the Guardians of America’s Sleep.”

About the BSC
The Better Sleep Council is the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, the trade association for the mattress industry. With decades invested in improving sleep quality, the BSC educates consumers on the link between sleep and health, and the role of the sleep environment, primarily through www.bettersleep.org, partner support and consumer outreach.

Read the report.

This new wave of research analyzed the relationship between quality of sleep and loneliness. For instance, over half of those who are isolated are more likely to be female (55%), compared to over half of men who are not isolated (53%). When looking at the different generations, people between the ages of 18 and 34 were the most isolated group and were more likely to sleep poorly, compared to their older counterparts.

According to a study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 31% of people ages 18 and over felt lonely during the holiday season sometime during the past five years, and 41% have worried about a family member or friend feeling lonesome. Not asking for help, feeling the need to complete everything yourself, and overall stress and anxiety can all trigger feelings of isolation and loneliness that may contribute to a lack of sleep. The BSC research revealed three findings shared by poor sleepers who felt isolated.

The top three findings from the research were that the worst sleepers tend to have difficult interpersonal relationships, have financial challenges or are heavy social media users. These individuals may struggle with the following:

• Holiday gatherings with family and friends: The holidays are a time of year where family and friends get together, but high expectations – such as having the perfect gifts, trees or decorations – may be stressful and overwhelming for some. Additionally, not having anyone around to celebrate with during the joyous time of year may make people feel isolated and lonely. Based on the BSC’s research:
  • Adults who agree (completely or somewhat) that they wish they had more friends represent almost half of poor sleepers (46%).
  • Poor sleepers are nearly twice as likely (1.77 times) to have difficulty in social situations.
  • Additionally, those who are isolated are more likely (37%) to be single (never married), compared to those who are not isolated (27%).
• Struggling with holiday budgets: The National Retail Federation found that consumers spent $1,007 on average for items such as gifts, decorations and candy, as well as other purchases for their family and themselves during last year’s holiday season – and that didn’t even include spending for holiday travel. The holidays may possibly bring up financial concerns from unreasonable spending on gifts or from not having the means to pay for certain gifts, which may trigger stress. According to the BSC’s study:
  • Those who are isolated agree (somewhat or completely) that for the most part they live paycheck to paycheck (55%), compared to those who are not isolated (44%).
  • Those who are isolated agree (somewhat or completely) that they generally have enough money to pay only for necessities (54%), compared to those not isolated (42%).
• Seasonal social media usage: It’s easy to use social media to check in on family and friends, especially if they live far away and you’re unable to visit them. It might even be so easy to get caught up in their posts about family gatherings and parties with significant others that it leads to excessive social media usage throughout the day – even before bed. The research found that those who are isolated are more likely to check social media before bed (39%), compared to those not isolated (27%). Going on social media right before bed is more likely to negatively impact quality of sleep.

“We all know that the holiday season is supposed to be ʽthe most wonderful time of the year,’ but it actually could be one of the loneliest times of the year for many people,” said Mary Helen Rogers, vice president of marketing and communications for the Better Sleep Council. “Not only do these people feel isolated, but they’re also having trouble getting back to sleep and are frequently waking up tired in the morning. Holiday pressures are often to blame. If we can provide these people with tips on how to improve their sleep habits as we approach the holidays, then hopefully we can help them feel less isolated.”

People such as the elderly, empty nesters and those who are grieving the loss of a loved one could be more prone to experiencing loneliness during the holiday season. Interestingly, the BSC research found that these older generations and retired individuals are less socially isolated in America. Contrary to popular belief, those who are not isolated are more likely to be aged 55+ (39%), compared to those who are isolated (26%). Additionally, those who are not isolated are more likely to be retired (26%), compared to those who are isolated (15%).

*2,000 surveys were fielded from April 10-18, 2019, among a representative sample of U.S. adults (age 18+). Analysis was conducted to establish a Sleep Index (SI) that can be used to track America’s sleep quality over time. The index was used to create three groups, which are poor sleepers, average sleepers and excellent sleepers.

View the full report.

About the BSC
The Better Sleep Council is the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, the trade association for the mattress industry. With decades invested in improving sleep quality, the BSC educates consumers on the link between sleep and health, and the role of the sleep environment, primarily through www.bettersleep.org, partner support and consumer outreach.

Read the report and download the infographic.

As part of May’s Better Sleep Month, the BSC launched a research study called The State of America’s Sleep, which sought to track America’s sleep quality over time, and its results unveiled the best and worst sleepers in America. Several common themes discovered are that the worst sleepers tend to be under stress, particularly at work, financially or in their personal relationships:

• Work Environment:
  • Americans who are “under pressure at work” make up 44% of poor sleepers in the country.
  • According to BSC research, about 80% of adults who feel they work in a friendly environment, enjoy the people they work with, and enjoy the work they do are excellent sleepers.
  • Additionally, excellent sleepers are 27% more likely to be valued at work compared to poor sleepers.
• Financial Woes: Financially stressed adults lack excellent sleep at night. Adults who are concerned about their financial future comprise 72% of poor sleepers, and those who live paycheck to paycheck represent 56% of poor sleepers.
• Interpersonal Relationships: The research found that meaningful relationships impact quality of sleep. Adults who agree that they have a great relationship with their spouse/partner represent 88% of excellent sleepers, compared to adults who are in difficult relationships, which is only 9% of excellent sleepers.

Another surprisingfinding from the survey was the impact of the day’s news on Americans. Contrary to popular belief that the news is keeping people up at night, adults who agree that they enjoy watching/listening/reading the news every day comprise 64% of the best sleepers in America.

“As the guardians of America’s sleep, it’s our duty to provide ongoing resources for people so they understand the importance of a good night’s sleep,” said Mary Helen Rogers, vice president of marketing and communications for the Better Sleep Council. “We launched The State of America’s Sleep study to see how Americans feel they are sleeping on an annual basis, so we can then assess elements that may or may not impact how they sleep. This research allows us to provide tips on changes people can make to improve their sleep habits, which directly aligns with our mission at the Better Sleep Council.”

“These survey findings are a glimpse into the situations that impact Americans the most. Some of the research may seem surprising, but to clinicians in sleep medicine, it reflects what we see played out in our practice every day,” said Ellen Wermter, board-certified family nurse practitioner and BSC spokesperson. “The bottom line is that habits surrounding sleep matter. Set yourself up for success by prioritizing proper rest. Break the stimulant-sedative cycle, exercise, and give yourself adequate time to mentally wind down in order to better manage the anxiety-producing situations of life. A well-rested individual is more likely to be happy at work and in relationships, and to have the energy and drive to improve his or her current situation.”

*2,000 surveys were fielded from April 10-18, 2019, among a representative sample of U.S. adults (age 18+). Analysis was conducted to establish a Sleep Index (SI) that can be used to track America’s sleep quality over time. The index was used to create three groups, which are poor sleepers, average sleepers and excellent sleepers.

View the full report.

Download the infographic.

About the BSC
The Better Sleep Council is the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, the trade association for the mattress industry. With decades invested in improving sleep quality, the BSC educates consumers on the link between sleep and health, and the role of the sleep environment, primarily through www.bettersleep.org, partner support and consumer outreach.

American teenagers said they spend 15+ hours a week on homework, and about one-third (34%) of all teens spend 20 or more hours a week. This is more than time spent at work, school clubs, social activities and sports. When asked what causes stress in their lives, about three-quarters of teens said grades/test scores (75%) and/or homework (74%) cause stress, more than self-esteem (51%), parental expectations (45%) and even bullying (15%). In fact, according to the American Psychological Association’s Stress in America Survey, during the school year, teenagers say they experience stress levels higher than those reported by adults.

Further, more than half (57%) of all teenagers surveyed do not feel they get enough sleep. Seventy-nine percent reported getting 7 hours of sleep or less on a typical school night, more than two-thirds (67%) say they only get 5 to 7 hours of sleep on a school night, and only about one in five teens is getting 8 hours of sleep or more. Based on the BSC’s findings, the more stressed teenagers feel, the more likely they are to get less sleep, go to bed later and wake up earlier. They are also more likely to have trouble going to sleep and staying asleep – more often than their less-stressed peers.

“We’re finding that teenagers are experiencing this cycle where they sacrifice their sleep to spend extra time on homework, which gives them more stress – but they don’t get better grades,” said Mary Helen Rogers, vice president of marketing and communications for the Better Sleep Council. “The BSC understands the impact sleep has on teenagers’ overall development, so we can help them reduce this stress through improved sleep habits.”

The BSC recommends that teens between the ages of 13-18 get 8-10 hours of sleep per night. For teens to get the sleep their bodies need for optimal school performance, they should consider the following tips:

• Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Just like they set time aside for homework, they should schedule at least 8 hours of sleep into their daily calendars. It may be challenging in the beginning, but it will help in the long run.
• Keep it quiet in the bedroom. It’s easier to sleep when there isn’t extra noise. Teens may even want to wear earplugs if their home is too noisy.
• Create a relaxing sleep environment. Make sure the bedroom is clutter-free, dark and conducive to great sleep. A cool bedroom, between 65 and 67 degrees, is ideal to help teens sleep.
• Cut back on screen time. Try cutting off screen time at least an hour before bed. The blue light emitted from electronics’ screens disturbs sleep.
• Examine their mattress. Since a mattress is an important component of a good night’s sleep, consider replacing it if it isn’t providing comfort and support, or hasn’t been changed in at least seven years.

Other takeaways on the relationship between homework, stress and sleep in teenagers include:

• Teens who feel more stress (89%) are more likely than less-stressed teens (65%) to say homework causes them stress in their lives.
• More than three-quarters (76%) of teens who feel more stress say they don’t feel they get enough sleep – which is significantly higher than teens who are not stressed, since only 42% of them feel they don’t get enough sleep.
• Teens who feel more stress (51%) are more likely than less-stressed teens (35%) to get to bed at 11 p.m. or later. Among these teens who are going to bed later, about 33% of them said they are waking up at 6:00 a.m. or earlier.
• Students who go to bed earlier and awaken earlier perform better academically than those who stay up late – even to do homework.

About the BSC
The Better Sleep Council is the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, the trade association for the mattress industry. With decades invested in improving sleep quality, the BSC educates consumers on the link between sleep and health, and the role of the sleep environment, primarily through www.bettersleep.org, partner support and consumer outreach.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – May 1, 2018 – Today the Better Sleep Council (BSC), the consumer education arm of the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA), released its findings from a new survey on America’s bedtime performance as it relates to sleep regimen, finding that men outperformed their female counterparts, but both have room to improve.

Participants were asked about their bedtime habits and received a ranking based on best practices when it comes to sleep behaviors, such as turning off electronics before bed, keeping a regular bedtime, etc. On average, Americans* earned a grade of a “C-” (70%) but looking at the sexes side-by-side, men nudged out women for bed rest with an average score of 72%. However, when drilling into specific habits that contribute to a good night’s sleep, men stood out in the bedroom. Results also took into consideration participants’ overall satisfaction with the quantity and quality of their sleep, such as feeling well-rested, pleased with the amount of sleep they get, etc.

“Over the past few years, the Better Sleep Council has noticed that people aren’t bragging about how little sleep they’re getting, they’re bragging about how much sleep they are getting. In fact, getting enough quality sleep is becoming a status symbol among Americans,” said Mary Helen Rogers, vice president of marketing and communications for ISPA. “Through our survey, we wanted to learn for ourselves – ‘how good is America in bed?’ Results from the survey found that Americans aren’t walking the talk.”

Differing Bedtime Habits between the Sexes

Women are particularly deficient when it comes to getting enough sleep: Despite 84% of women believing sleep is important to their overall health and wellness, their bedtime habits and lifestyles have created barriers to get the desired amount of sleep. The two areas where women particularly fell short were ability to fall asleep and ability to rise in the morning. The survey revealed that 34 million women experience trouble sleeping and/or staying asleep almost all the time (21%), and nearly 20 million hit the snooze button numerous times every day (12%).

Loved ones also kept women up at night. Survey results found that more than 24 million women were likely to let kids and pets in the bed (15%), compared to 4 million men (3%).

According to the study, men were more likely to engage in positive sleep habits: 55 million men reported sleeping alone (35%), 22 million follow a strict bedtime – even on the weekends (14%), 35 million do not have caffeinated beverages past noon (22%), and more than 55 million keep their stress level to a minimum (35%).

Other Sleep Indicators

Additional key sleep performance takeaways from the survey include:

• 77 million Americans (24%) claim they have no electronics in their bedroom, not even a television.
  • How this impacts sleep: The blue light emitted by the screens on cell phones, computers, tablets and televisions restrains the production of melatonin, keeping you from getting the quality sleep you need.
• 174 million Americans (54%) rarely/never drink alcohol before bed.
  • How this impacts sleep: For the 46% of Americans who reported drinking alcohol, it’s best to drink it in the early evening. Generally, it takes 1 hour to metabolize one ounce of alcohol, which can wreak havoc on sleep quality.
• 193 million Americans (60%) have a mattress that’s less than 7 years old.
  • How this impacts sleep: Experts advise you to evaluate your mattress after 7 years for wear and tear. An older mattress may no longer provide the comfort and support that is key for quality sleep.

Quality Sleep Is “In”

Although the survey shows that there are areas where everyone can improve, the shift in the way Americans are talking about their own sleep habits is encouraging. Gone are the days of touting the lack of sleep Americans are getting – consumers want others to know just how good they are in bed, as it relates to sleep.

Capitalizing on this trend, the BSC has launched the Better in Bed campaign during Better Sleep Month to support this positive movement of consumers striving not just for more sleep each night, but for quality, restorative sleep as well.

“Better Sleep Month is the perfect time to engage consumers with entertaining and useful tips to up their game between the sheets,” said Rogers. “Throughout the month of May, the BSC will be providing sleep solutions, so everyone can brag about how good they are in bed and, most importantly, for everyone to sleep just a little more soundly.”

To learn more about Better Sleep Month, visit bettersleep.org.

*Based on the 2017 U.S. Census Bureau population estimate of 323,127,513 Americans.

About the BSC
The Better Sleep Council is the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, the trade association for the mattress industry. With decades invested in improving sleep quality, the BSC educates consumers on the link between sleep and health, and the role of the sleep environment, primarily through www.bettersleep.org, partner support and consumer outreach.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – January 9, 2018 – While it’s no secret Americans struggle each year to keep their New Year’s resolutions, one key toward helping them stick to their goals may be right on their pillows. Sleep.

“Adding better sleep to your list of New Year’s resolutions can make it easier to reach some of the other goals on your list, whether that’s exercise, getting fit, or even losing weight,” says Lissa Coffey, a lifestyle expert and BSC spokesperson. “It seems so simple, but getting adequate rest can positively impact every other part of your life. When you’re well rested, it’s easier to choose healthier foods and to feel energized to exercise.”

According to a new survey from the Better Sleep Council (BSC), the nonprofit consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, 45% of Americans who make 2018 resolutions don’t make much of an effort to keep them and of this 45%, about 9 million Americans won’t make any effort at all. Key findings from this survey suggest sleep may be the resolution that helps Americans stay on track with their top goals in 2018.

A majority of respondents (88%) considered making New Year’s resolutions. Based on the survey, these resolutions included:

• 53% – Exercise more/get fit
• 49% – Get/stay fit and healthy
• 46% – Lose weight
• 42% – Spend less, save more
• 37% – Enjoy life to the fullest
• 31% – Get organized
• 28% – Start a budget
• 27% – Spend more time with family and friends
• 19% – Read more
• 19% – Learn a new hobby
• 14% – Stop smoking
• 8% – Cut back on alcohol

Of those 88%, 27% picked getting more/better sleep. Additionally, those who reported that they wanted more sleep/better sleep as one their resolutions also reported other health-related goals, including exercising more (69%) and staying fit and healthy (68%), which were the top two selected New Year’s resolutions overall.

Also, Americans surveyed who wanted to prioritize sleep in 2018 planned to do so by getting to bed earlier (65%), maintaining a consistent bedtime (62%), and having new nighttime routines (53%). Almost half of those surveyed said they also plan to upgrade their sleep environment by purchasing a new mattress or other bed-related items.

To sleep more soundly – and make health a priority in the New Year – the Better Sleep Council offers these suggestions:

• Make daily sleep appointments. Develop a routine in which you go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day. Don’t let social media or work distract you, and when it’s bedtime, go to sleep no matter what.
• Create a great bed for great sleep. If you’re not waking up refreshed every day, it’s time to examine your mattress and decide if you need a new one.
• Keep it cool, even in the winter. A comfortable sleeping temperature is between 65 and 67 degrees, so turn on an air conditioner or lower the thermostat before bed to make the room right for you.
• Try yoga. Practice yoga before bed to de-stress after your day, relax your muscles and bring your body to a restful state before hitting the hay.

For more information on getting better sleep, visit https://bettersleep.org/better-sleep/how-to-sleep-better/.

About the BSC
The Better Sleep Council is the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, the trade association for the mattress industry. With decades invested in improving sleep quality, the BSC educates consumers on the link between sleep and health, and the role of the sleep environment, primarily throughwww.bettersleep.org, partner support and consumer outreach.

Close to one-third of respondents choose to cuddle up, stay in bed longer or have more sex to keep warm during the winter months. And many cuddling fans prefer to snuggle up in their beds (28%).

A majority (77%) of those who keep away winter’s chill by having more sex say they find intimacy more satisfying when the weather is cold outside.

Further, most Americans surveyed (86%) believe there are distinct benefits to cuddling. These feelings were strongest among respondents who reported having a comfortable mattress.

“There are a variety of reasons why people may be sleeping, having more sex and cuddling in the winter months,” says Terry Cralle, a registered nurse, certified clinical sleep educator and BSC spokesperson. “With colder temperatures in many parts of the country and shortened daylight hours, people may find they want to go to bed earlier. Certainly, there are many benefits to turning in earlier, including getting a full-night’s rest, and for couples, they have more time with each other.”

Regardless of when you turn in, the BSC offers these tips for couples to sleep better in winter:

• Share a bedtime. Find a mutual time that works for both of your schedules. If your bedtimes don’t match, be considerate of your partner’s sleep habits.
• Go screenless. Keep laptops, phones and work out of the bedroom to create a more relaxing atmosphere.
• Check your temp. Many couples find they prefer to sleep at different temperatures. One solution is to double-fold blankets so one partner has more coverage to stay warm.
• Maximize cuddle time with a good mattress. If you’re going to spend more time in bed, take a closer look at your current mattress and talk to your partner about his/her comfort during the night.
• Find ways to relax before bed. In addition to turning off screens, consider other ways to unwind, such as meditating, reading a book or cuddling.

For more information on relationships and sleep, visit https://bettersleep.org/research/sleep-surveys/relationships-sleep/ and to find information on how your sleep habits change in the winter, visit https://bettersleep.org/research/sleep-surveys/survey-how-sleep-habits-change-in-the-winter/.

About the BSC
The Better Sleep Council is the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, the trade association for the mattress industry. With decades invested in improving sleep quality, the BSC educates consumers on the link between sleep and health, and the role of the sleep environment, primarily through www.bettersleep.org, partner support and consumer outreach.

The study, commissioned by the Better Sleep Council (BSC), the nonprofit consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, found those who reported higher levels of education, such as graduate school or more, were less likely to sleep in Fetal position – the most common sleeping position among Americans (47%). Differences between age groups became apparent in reported sleep position preferences as well: Gen Xers and Millennials were more likely to sleep in Freefall position (arms and legs outstretched) than Baby Boomers.

Although sleeping position is largely a matter of perceived comfort and habit, the study found sleep positions affect sleep quality. For example, people who sleep in the Log position report getting a better night sleep than those in the Fetal. Also, people who sleep in the Starfish or Log positions are more likely to sleepwalk.

Our sleep positions can tell us other things about ourselves too. The study found that Log sleepers are more likely to consider themselves to be healthy, while introverts have the strongest aversion to the Freefall sleep position.

Other insights include:

• Women are more likely to sleep in the Fetal position compared to men (54% vs. 39%).
• The Soldier (11%), Starfish (7%) and Log (6%) sleep positions are the least popular, yet those who sleep in these positions are more likely to say it has medical benefits.
• Log sleepers are more likely than Fetal, Freefall or Yearner sleepers to say their mattress is very comfortable. It could be they feel this way because they’re more likely than other sleepers to lay down and test their mattress before purchasing.

BSC sleep expert Terry Cralle, RN, a certified sleep educator and author, offers these better sleep position tips:

• Back sleepers (Soldier or Starfish) – Sleeping on your back may induce lower back pain and sleep apnea, which interferes with normal sleep. If you experience back pain, consider placing a pillow or rolled-up towel under your knees to align the natural curve of your spine.
• Stomach sleepers (Freefall) – Sleeping this way can cause strain on your lower back and can cause potential neck pain. Try using a soft pillow or none at all when sleeping, so your neck won’t be at an awkward angle.
• Side sleepers (Log, Yearner, Fetal) – Side sleeping is one of the most common ways to sleep; sleep specialists recommend you sleep on your side in order to rest more comfortably and lessen the likelihood of interrupted sleep.

For more information on sleep positions, including visuals on each one, click here.

About the BSC
The Better Sleep Council is the consumer education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, the trade association for the mattress industry. With decades invested in improving sleep quality, the BSC educates consumers on the link between sleep and health, and the role of the sleep environment, primarily through www.bettersleep.org, partner support and consumer outreach.

To coincide with May’s Better Sleep Month, the BSC looked at common misconceptions about sleep and whether Americans understand what’s correct – and what’s the stuff of legend.

Perhaps one of the most surprising misconceptions? 154 million Americans believe nothing’s really happening when they doze. Yet research shows the brain recharges during sleep and stays in an active state. Of those who believe sleep is passive, adults under the age of 50 (67%) are more likely to believe this compared to those older than 50 (51%.)

Other sleep myths still stumping Americans:

• 164 million American adults (66%) believe mattresses last about 10 years before you need a replacement. As a general rule, after seven years it’s time to evaluate your current mattress and decide if it’s time for a new one.
• American adults (43%) believe that a person can catch up on lost sleep over the weekend. In reality – you just can’t bank sleep.
• 151 million American adults (61%) believe that the best mattress for a sore back is one that is very firm. Mattresses are a personal choice, and while in general, a firm mattress is often recommended, the mattress that will alleviate back issues for one person may not be the same for another. And one person’s criteria for “firm” can be very different from another’s.
• About 122 million American adults believe it’s illegal to remove mattress tags. Truth be told, it’s fine for consumers to take off the tag after purchase – there are no mattress police. Men (53%) were more likely to believe this compared to women (45%).
• Some 122 million Americans believe some people don’t dream. Everyone has dreams, even if you can’t recall them. Again, men (52%) were more likely to believe this than women (46%).

This month, the Better Sleep Council redesigned and updated their website to better educate consumers and to debunk common sleep myths.

“Most of us spend on average around 26+ years in bed, so it’s important for consumers to have an unbiased, unbranded resource on sleep and how to find a mattress that will help them get their best rest,” said Mary Helen Rogers, vice president of marketing and communications for ISPA. “Our newly launched website will help consumers get the information they need to do just that.”

About the BSC
The Better Sleep Council is the consumer education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, the trade association for the mattress industry. With decades invested in improving sleep quality, the BSC educates consumers on the link between sleep and health, and the role of the sleep environment, primarily through www.bettersleep.org, partner support and consumeroutreach.

Overall, more than one-quarter (28%) of all parents do not like putting their clock ahead one hour for DST. Other findings from this group:

•  Moms (32%) are more likely to feel this way than dads (22%)
•  Parents who use childcare (37%) are more likely to feel this way than parents who don’t use childcare (24%)
•  Parents who are unemployed/stay-at-home parents are more likely to feel this way (36%) than parents who work full time (25%)
•  Parents who feel their kids do not get enough sleep are also more likely to feel this way (37%) compared to parents who feel their kids do get enough sleep (25%)

When asked about children’s regular bedtime patterns, many parents reported they already feel like their kids aren’t getting enough sleep (24%). About half (48%) of those same parents find it at least somewhat frustrating to get their kids to sleep on a typical night. These feelings are more prevalent with parents of tweens and teens (11-18 years).

The BSC suggests the following top tips to help kids get back into their regular sleep pattern after Daylight Saving Time goes into effect:

•  Go slow. In the week before DST, try to put your kids to bed 15 minutes early to prep them for the time change.
•  Create a ritual. Your kids likely already have a bedtime routine. Stick with it and consider adding an extra step or two like reading a storybook together or having them take a warm bath or shower to help relax before bed.
•  Keep it light. Avoid eating heavy meals at least two to three hours before bed. Eating too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep quality.

For more information on how to improve your sleep year-round and additional tips on recovering from Daylight Saving Time, visit www.bettersleep.org.

About the BSC

The Better Sleep Council is the consumer education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, the trade association for the mattress industry. With decades invested in improving sleep quality, the BSC educates consumers on the link between sleep and health, and the role of the sleep environment, primarily through www.bettersleep.org, partner support and consumer outreach.