COVID-19 Archives - Better Sleep Council | Start every day with a good night’s sleep https://bettersleep.org/tag/covid-19/ A program of the International Sleep Products Association Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:04:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://bettersleep.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cropped-favicon-1-32x32.png COVID-19 Archives - Better Sleep Council | Start every day with a good night’s sleep https://bettersleep.org/tag/covid-19/ 32 32 BSC’s Latest Research Shows Resurgence of COVID-19 Impacts Consumer Behavior and Confidence https://bettersleep.org/research/q3-2021-tracker-results/ Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:23:58 +0000 https://bettersleep.org/?p=5331 Learn more about today’s mattress consumer.

In Q3 of 2021, Americans experienced a major COVID-19 resurgence – through the number of cases, in people’s news feeds and in consumers’ concerns and behaviors. According to the Better Sleep Council’s Q3 2021 Tracker, people are reverting toward some attitudes and behaviors exhibited earlier in the pandemic. This comes after seeing some relaxation of COVID-19 concerns and shopping behaviors earlier in 2021. In these third-quarter results, consumers are showing revived concerns about COVID-19 and the overall environment they live in. Confidence in travel and in brick-and-mortar shopping and purchasing has declined in this quarter, as opposed to the previous quarter, and preference for online shopping and purchasing remains strong.

Not surprisingly then, many people – almost two-thirds of those surveyed – said the current environment is affecting their sleep. Interestingly, more people are reporting their sleep as “good” and “very good”– perhaps reflecting the impact of strong mattress purchasing over the past 18 months and the fact that sleep remains their most important health priority.

People are cocooning again, spending much more attention and dollars on optimizing their homes for work, education and living. Bedroom products/sleep accessories purchases are still the No. 1 actual and planned purchases, and purchase intent for mattresses rose slightly. This suggests demand will continue. Brick-and-mortar purchases of mattresses surpassed online purchases for the first time since the BSC tracker began monitoring people’s shopping behaviors in 2020. All of this suggests that sleep will remain a high priority for consumers, and that demand for mattresses is unlikely to dip significantly. It also suggests retailers and manufacturers with effective digital and eCommerce programs will compete more effectively than others.

More details about what mattress shoppers are thinking, feeling and doing can be found in the full report here: BSC Tracker Results Q3 2021.

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Sleeping on the Job https://bettersleep.org/research/sleeping-on-the-job/ Thu, 05 Aug 2021 15:45:15 +0000 https://bettersleep.org/?p=5160 In its continued effort to monitor how well America is sleeping, the Better Sleep Council conducted a survey to understand to what degree working Americans are taking restorative naps during the workday – especially given the dynamic shift in work environments due to the pandemic.

  • Overall, our assessment found that more than one in five working adults take a nap during the workday (this measure includes naps taken during and outside of work breaks).
  • Napping during the workday is driven by people working from home or in hybrid situations (i.e., Americans who work in a flexible environment that include both an office setting and a remote location), who are two times more likely to take naps during the workday than their in-office counterparts.
  • Napping is more common among younger working adults. Generation Z are 3.4 times and Millennials are 2.5 times more likely to take naps during the workday than Boomers.
  • Regardless of how long they take or where they are taken, naps are restorative! Eighty-seven percent of those who nap during the workday say naps are “refreshing.” They are particularly restorative for parents with children at home, who are 1.6 times more likely to say naps are “very” refreshing compared to working adults with no children at home.

The research consisted of an online survey, representative of working adults 18 and older within the United States. It was administered between July 23 and July 26, 2021, among a sample of 800 respondents. The sample size provides 95% confidence + 3.5%.

OVERALL FINDINGS

Over one in five (22%) working adults take naps during the workday (including during breaks).

Q2 – Which of the following have you done during the workday (including during breaks) in the past month? (Check all that apply.)

Total N=800
Used cellphone/texting for personal reasons 69%
Surfed the internet for personal reasons 59%
Went on social media for personal reasons 59%
Socialized with co-workers 54%
Watched TV 46%
Played video games on phone, computer or TV 37%
Exercised 33%
Ran errands 33%
Did household chores (e.g., cleaning, cooking) 31%
Took (a) nap(s) 22%
Went on smoke breaks 20%
Took care of/watched my children 16%
Other 2%

On average, working Americans take half-hour naps (the average is 29 minutes). But there are exceptions: nearly one in 10 nappers take at least one hour-long nap during the workday.

Q5 – Approximately how long is your typical nap? 

Total N=172
< 5 min 3%
5-9 min 6%
10-14 min 8%
15-19 min 17%
20-24 min 11%
25-29 min 12%
30-34 min 15%
35-39 min 3%
40-44 min 5%
45-49 min 4%
50-54 min 3%
55-59 min 3%
60 min or more 9%
Mean 29 min

Regardless of how long naps last, nearly all are restorative. Eighty-seven percent of those who nap during the workday find naps refreshing. Naps are most refreshing to people with children at home.

Q4 – How refreshed did you feel after napping?

Total Sample Children
(any age)
———-
No Children
———-
(F)[1] (G)
Total N=172 N=83 N=89
Very refreshed 37% 46% G 29%
Somewhat refreshed 50% 41% 58% F

Most naps taken during the workday are taken in bed (53%) or on a sofa (41%). Yet nearly one-quarter of Americans napping during the workday sleep in a chair or in their car (or truck). Sleeping at a desk, on the floor or anywhere they can are less common, but something one in 10 working Americans do.

Q3 – Where did you nap? (Check all that apply.)

Total N=172
In bed 53%
On a sofa 41%
In my chair 28%
In my car/truck 24%
At my desk 16%
On the floor 12%
Anywhere I could 10%
In the bathroom 5%
Other 1%

WHO IS more likely to take a nap during the workday?

Q2 – Which of the following have you done during the workday (including during breaks) in the past month? (Check all that apply.)

Not surprisingly, people working from home or in hybrid situations are twice as likely to nap during the workday than those working in an office setting. (Respectively, 2.4 times among people working at home and 2.2 times among people working hybrid.)

At home
only
———-
In an
office
only
———-
In a non-
office
facility
———-
Hybrid
———-
Outdoors
———-
Other
———-
(F) (G) (H) (I) (J) (K)
Total N=113 N=285 N=243 N=104 N=50 N=5
Took (a) nap(s) 31% G 13% 23% G 29% G 22% 20%

Younger generations are more likely to take a nap during the workday than older cohorts. Gen Z and Millennials are respectively 3.4 times and 2.5 times more likely to take naps during the workday than Boomers.

Gen Z
———-
Millennials
———–
Gen X
———-
Boomers
———-
(H) (I) (J) (K)
Total N=51 N=340 N=294 N=115
Took (a) nap(s) 37% JK 27% JK 16% 11%

Workers with lower income are also more likely to nap during the workday. Workers with a yearly household income under $50,000 are 1.6 times more likely to nap during this time than those earning $100,000 or more.

Under
$50,000
———-
$50,000-$99,999
———-
$100,000+
———-
(L) (M) (N)
Total N=273 N=269 N=258
Took (a) nap(s) 26% N 22% 16%

 

Survey Details: Better Sleep Council August 2021

 

[1] An alphabetical code letter has been assigned to groups (e.g., A, B, C, etc.) throughout this report. If a percentage within one group is significantly greater than a corresponding percentage in a second group, then the code letter from the second group appears next to the percentage in the first group.

 

 

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Consumers Showing Signs of Returning to Some Pre-Pandemic Shopping Behaviors https://bettersleep.org/research/q2-2021-tracker-results/ Fri, 23 Jul 2021 20:37:47 +0000 https://bettersleep.org/?p=5141 Today's Mattress Consumer

A lot has changed since the Better Sleep Council launched its Inside the Mind of Today’s Mattress Consumer tracking study back in 2020. As COVID-19 concerns and restrictions continue to relax, the Q2 2021 study found that people are showing signs of returning to some pre-pandemic attitudes and behaviors. At the same time, other lockdown behaviors appear to be sticking around for now.

For example, people are more willing to shop and buy in-person, although people say they’re still more comfortable shopping online. Interest in buying trusted brands, buying brands that align with the shopper’s values, and shopping local have all made a significant comeback for bedroom product consumers. They also are more willing to try new brands and new retailers than they were earlier this year.

As expected, people’s lockdown obsession with optimizing the function and comfort of their homes has leveled off. This may be due to the fact that they are spending less time at home as people return to in-person shopping, school, work, etc.

The easing of concerns and restrictions and the return to some pre-pandemic activities may have also resulted in people starting to sleep better. The number of people who report they are sleeping poorly declined from the previous study, with more people describing their sleep as “good.” However, there’s still a large minority of people who describe their sleep as “OK” or worse. So, it’s not surprising that good sleep remains consumers’ number one priority – although for the first time since tracking began, their relationships with other people assumed equal importance. And more people say they are focused on improving their overall sleep environment in this quarter, expanding a trend initially seen earlier.

Although people say they are less anxious or concerned about their families’ health and well-being than they were earlier this year, health remains their top priority.

More details about what mattress shoppers are thinking, feeling and doing can be found in the full report here: BSC Quarterly Tracker Results: Q2 2021.

Go here to check out BSC’s Q1 2021 research to see changes in attitudes and behaviors quarter-over-quarter.

 

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2021 State of America’s Sleep Study https://bettersleep.org/blog/2021-state-of-americas-sleep-study/ Thu, 03 Jun 2021 09:00:50 +0000 https://bettersleep.org/?p=5087 Discover the 2021 State of America’s Sleep Research

Does it feel like you’re the only one lying awake at night? Trust us, you’re not. In fact, the Better Sleep Council’s 2021 State of America’s Sleep study finds a growing percentage of Americans are battling poor sleep. Yet more people than ever report sleeping great too. It seems there’s no in-between when it comes to sleep. And the reasons you’re not getting your zzz’s can be as obvious as they are complex.

For the third year in a row, we surveyed 2,000 Americans to gauge sleep quality and monitor sleep trends. And like so many things in 2020, when this study was fielded, sleep was more polarized than ever.

“The percentage of people we classify as poor sleepers has gone up 6% since our first study in 2019,” says Mary Helen Rogers, vice president of marketing and communications. “At the same time, the number of excellent sleepers has also risen, up 2% in the same time period. There’s hardly anyone in the middle anymore.”

The Great COVID-19 Pandemic Wedge

No surprise here, but the COVID-19 pandemic has played a big role in pushing us to sleep extremes. Both direct and indirect effects of the pandemic appear to have a bearing on who’s getting restful sleep and who’s struggling as of late.

  • Poor sleepers were 3 times more likely than excellent sleepers to have been diagnosed with a medical condition in the last 12 months. They were nearly twice as likely (17% versus 10% respectively) to have lost a loved one in that time too. While we can’t draw a direct connection to the COVID-19 pandemic in either case, the sheer numbers of widespread illness and death suggest that the disease contributed to lack of sleep and sleepless nights for many.
  • Excellent sleepers were able to save for college (70%) and home expenses (63%) in the last year. And more than one-third (37%) feel good about the economy. It’s likely that these folks held on to their jobs throughout the lockdowns, felt secure about their financial standing, and may have used stimulus payments as windfalls for their nest eggs.
  • On the other side of the mattress, two out of five poor sleepers say their financial situation has worsened in the last year. Almost half (48%) feel like their mental/emotional health has suffered during the pandemic as well. Income pressures and isolation were daily stressors (in turn, sleep blockers) for many throughout 2020.

Better Sleep Starts with Better Habits

Many factors that impact our sleep are beyond our control. But our study finds a number of personal lifestyle choices may define our status as an excellent or poor sleeper too.

  • Three-quarters (74%) of excellent sleepers regularly exercise, with nearly one-third (32%) increasing their activity in the last year. On top of that, excellent sleepers are 7 times more likely than poor sleepers to say they enjoy exercise. So, try putting on a smile with your yoga pants if you want to sleep better.
  • Poor sleepers report significant increases in screen time (42%) and alcohol consumption (22%) in the past year. And as we know, blue light and booze are not good for sleep.

“In addition to practicing good sleep hygiene, I encourage people to assess their mattress situation,” says Rogers. “Consciously putting good sleep habits into practice won’t do much good if you retire to a lumpy or sagging mattress from the ‘90s.”

Which Side Are You On?

Think you’re an excellent sleeper? Or is sleep just a nightmare for you? See how your experience stacks up with the rest of the nation. Dive into the full results of our 2021 State of America’s Sleep study:

  • Learn if people in cities or in the country tend to sleep better.
  • Find out if a Boomer sleeps more soundly than a Millennial.
  • See who’s more likely to use noise machines at night.
  • Discover how much an excellent sleeper earns per year versus a poor sleeper.
  • Read up on these and dozens of other sleep traits – good and bad.

2021 American Sleep Divide

Discover the striking split between excellent and poor sleepers from @BetterSleepOrg’s 2021 State of America’s Sleep study.

This blog provides general information about sleep and sleep products. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional. This blog should not be construed as medical advice or used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other healthcare professional. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health or the health of others. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or elsewhere on bettersleep.org. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

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Mattress Shopping During the Pandemic https://bettersleep.org/blog/mattress-shopping-during-the-pandemic/ Tue, 26 Jan 2021 16:56:08 +0000 https://bettersleep.org/?p=3992 Learn about mattress shopping during the pandemic

From curbside grocery pickups to daily deliveries from Amazon, COVID-19 has had a heavy impact on the way we shop for almost everything, including mattresses.

So, how exactly has COVID-19 affected mattress shopping in 2020? Well, the Better Sleep Council asked people who planned to purchase or had purchased a mattress and here are some of our key findings.

Sleep on It

During COVID, shoppers are making faster decisions and are spending less time researching before making a purchase.

  • In 2020, almost half of those who bought new mattresses said they spent one week or less shopping, while in 2019, only 31% spent that same amount of time shopping.
  • Not only were people taking more time to make a purchase pre-COVID, but they were also doing more homework. In 2020, people researched three to four sources before making a decision, compared to seven to eight sources in 2019.

Count Stars Before Counting Sheep

The study revealed the importance of online reviews in mattress shopping research. Mary Helen Rogers, vice president for marketing and communications at the Better Sleep Council, states, “Shoppers who look at online reviews value them and find them influential – our findings reiterate this. For instance, of the 47% of mattress shoppers who read or had planned to read online reviews, 74% considered them a top factor in their final purchase decision.”

Since it can sometimes be difficult to tell which online reviews will be the most helpful to you, it’s best to use a mix of different sources to guide and influence your decisions while mattress shopping.

  • Ask friends – a tried-and-true method. Our personal sense of self is derived from other people, and social psychologists have even said that the more of your identity you draw from a group, even when you’re not around that group, the more likely you are to uphold those values. Friends will give you all of the unfiltered pros and cons of their mattresses, may open your eyes to some new options you hadn’t thought of, and could sway your opinion while mattress shopping.
  • Social media – What’s the conversation around the mattress you’re looking at purchasing? Social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and Reddit have entire communities based on mattresses and mattress buying.
  • Online mattress tools – Online tools, like our Better Bed Quizzz, are built to help you find a mattress that suits your exact needs. And the best part? They’re free.

Power Your Sleep with the Power of Research

A late 2019 Better Sleep Council study showed that people who take shopping shortcuts aren’t satisfied with their mattress purchase. They feel less informed and reported being less satisfied with their sleep quality. Shoppers who spend time researching feel more satisfied with their purchase, enjoy their shopping experience and are more likely to be satisfied with their sleep quality.

All of this means your new mattress is affecting your sleep before you even buy it. So, you should take your time to study up on what works for you. Our Better Bed Quizzz can give you a personalized summary of your mattress needs and even tips on testing a mattress in-store.

Speaking of in-store, you may feel a bit apprehensive going to a physical location to shop for a mattress, but many retailers have taken measures to ensure the shopping environment is safe during the pandemic. The Better Sleep Council always recommends trying before you buy, using the S.L.E.E.P test mentioned in our guide to choosing the best mattress.

The pressures of COVID can make it feel like there is less time to spend all around, but if our findings have taught us anything, it’s that better sleep is worth the research. Take your time on your research, use a mix of reviews and other sources for a better-informed opinion, and you can find a mattress that’s perfect for you. You can even check out our full COVID-19 Mattress Shopping Study for more information.

Want to be a better mattress shopper? Learn how to make your shopping experience more enjoyable, with findings from @BetterSleepOrg.

Source:

This blog provides general information about sleep and sleep products. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified heath care professional. This blog should not be construed as medical advice or used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care professional. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health or the health of others. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or elsewhere on bettersleep.org. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

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BSC Sub-Study: Mattress Shopping Behavior During COVID-19 https://bettersleep.org/research/bsc-sub-study-mattress-shopping-behavior-during-covid-19/ Wed, 30 Dec 2020 18:43:26 +0000 https://bettersleep.org/?p=3967 BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY

The goal of this study is to understand the details of people’s shopping, buying and receipt of mattresses in the current (COVID-19) environment.

There were 501 online surveys completed October 31 through November 5, 2020, with adults 18 years and older.

  • 314 (63%) respondents had purchased a mattress within the last two months.
  • 187 (37%) respondents planned to purchase a mattress within the next one to two months.

Respondents who purchased a mattress within the last two months received questions about their recent mattress purchase (Q1-Q10). Respondents who were planning to purchase a mattress in the next two months received questions about their planned upcoming mattress purchase (Q11-Q20).

Detailed findings are also included in the PowerPoint presentation report (BSC Sub-Study: Mattress Shopping Behavior During COVID-19, November 2020).

REPORT SUMMARY

This summary encompasses combined overall results from both mattress purchasers and those who plan to purchase a mattress.

  • Consumers are shopping both online and in-store for mattresses and looking at an average of three to four different channels on their shopping journey.
  • Shoppers who want to shop in-store are willing to travel up to 20 to 40 minutes to do so.
  • Online reviews are an important part of the shopping and purchasing journey, but there is not a real distinction between the various review sources.
  • About half of all mattress shoppers search for and read online reviews and visit an average of three to four review websites during their shopping journey.
  • Online reviews are an important factor in the final purchase decision for all mattress shoppers, and even more so for those who purchase their mattress online.
  • Consumers are more likely to purchase online, but more than one-third are still buying or planning to buy in-store because they want to try out the mattress, see it in person, etc.
  • About 61% of consumers who shop online do so because of COVID-19 concerns; other reasons include a better price, it’s easier and fast/free shipping.
  • The buyer journey lasts a week or less for about half of all mattress shoppers, and those who purchase in-store are more likely to have a shorter journey.
  • More than half of all consumers will set up their mattress on their own.

QUESTION BY QUESTION RESULTS

Mattress Purchasers (respondents who purchased a mattress in the last 60 days)

Q1. Which of the following were part of your shopping experience BEFORE you purchased your mattress? Select all that apply.

Looking at online retailers/websites 56%
Google searches 54%
Searching for and reading online reviews 51%
Asking friends/family for recommendations 44%
Visiting a brick-and-mortar mattress retailer 41%
Visiting a brick-and-mortar retailer/department store that also sells mattresses 39%
Social media 39%
Reviewing miscellaneous online resources 28%
Looking through miscellaneous books/magazines/pamphlets 19%
Other, please specify 2%

Q2. Where did you go online to read reviews when you were shopping for a mattress? Select all that apply.

Retailer websites 60%
E-tailer websites (e.g., Amazon, Wayfair) 52%
Mattress manufacturer websites 54%
Mattress review websites (e.g., Sleepopolis, The Mattress Nerd) 52%
Social media (e.g., review on a brand’s Facebook page) 52%
Consumer review website (i.e., Consumer Reports) 49%
General review websites (e.g., Yelp, Trustpilot) 42%
Other, please specify 1%

Q2A. Please rank the following in order of usefulness, with 1 being the most likely to be useful, 2 being the second most likely to be useful and so on.

  Ranked #1 Ranked #1 or #2
Consumer review website N=78 26% 62%
E-tailer websites N=82 33% 59%
Social media N=83 28% 55%
Retailer websites N=96 26% 53%
Mattress review websites N=83 29% 52%
Mattress manufacturer websites N=86 31% 47%
General review websites N=66 20% 37%

Q3. You said in your shopping journey you visited at least one brick-and-mortar store. How long did it take you to get to that store? (If you visited more than one store, please think of the store that was the farthest away and/or took the most time to get to.)  

10 minutes or less 9%
10-20 minutes 31%
20-40 minutes 40%
40-60 minutes 12%
More than an hour 7%

Q3A. You said in your shopping journey you did not visit any brick-and-mortar mattress stores. Which of the following best describe why? Check all that apply.

COVID-19 concerns 61%
Better price online 41%
Lack of time to shop in person 23%
Mattress store is too far away 22%
Other 3%
Not sure 4%

Q3B. You said there were not brick-and-mortar mattress stores close enough for you to shop at. How far away was the closest mattress store to you?

Less than 20 minutes away 29%
20-40 minutes away 39%
More than 40 minutes away 29%
Not sure 4%

Q4. Where/how did you purchase your mattress?

Online 54%
In-Store 46%

Q5. What kind of mattress did you purchase?

Foam mattress made without springs or coils 48%
Spring mattress 25%
Sleeper/sofa 11%
Air/adjustable air chamber 6%
Waterbed 4%
Futon 4%
Other 2%

Q6. How important were the following to your final purchase decision?

Price 82%
Free delivery 76%
Long-term warranty 74%
Online reviews 73%
Easy returns 71%
Mattress brand 62%
Free setup 54%
Family/friend recommendations 54%
Free removal of old mattress 53%
Financing 53%
Free trial at home 46%

Q7. About how much time did your entire journey last? Think of when you first started shopping for a mattress until you purchased it. (Do not include delivery and setup.)

1-3 days 21%
4-7 days 28%
8-14 days 20%
2-3 weeks 11%
About 1 month 10%
1-2 months 3%
More than 2 months 5%
Not sure/I don’t know 2%

Q8. How did you get your mattress home?

Delivered 82%
Picked up 18%

 Q9. How did you receive your new mattress?

Folded, rolled or compressed (boxed) 64%
Not folded, rolled or compressed (unboxed) 36%

Q10. After your mattress was delivered, how did it get set up?

Set it up on my own 55%
Set it up for me 44%
Other 1%

Plan to Purchase a Mattress (respondents who plan to purchase a mattress in the next 60 days)

Q11. You said you plan to purchase a mattress in the next one to two months. How will you shop for this mattress? Select all that apply.

Looking at online retailers/websites 55%
Google searches 40%
Searching for and reading online reviews 39%
Visiting a brick-and-mortar retailer/department store that also sells mattresses 39%
Visiting a brick-and-mortar mattress retailer 36%
Social media 31%
Asking friends/family for recommendations 26%
Reviewing miscellaneous online resources 22%
Looking through miscellaneous books/magazines/pamphlets 18%
Other, please specify 1%

Q12. Where will you go online to read reviews when you are shopping for a mattress? Select all that apply.

E-tailer websites (e.g., Amazon, Wayfair) 58%
Retailer websites 52%
Mattress manufacturer websites 48%
Consumer review website (i.e., Consumer Reports) 48%
General review websites (e.g., Yelp, Trustpilot) 45%
Mattress review websites (e.g., Sleepopolis, The Mattress Nerd) 45%
Social media (e.g., review on a brand’s Facebook page) 38%

Q12A. Please rank the following in order of usefulness, with 1 being the most likely to be useful, 2 being the second most likely to be useful and so on.

  Ranked #1 Ranked #1 or #2
Social media N=28 50% 71%
Consumer review website N=35 37% 66%
E-tailer websites N=42 36% 65%
General review websites N=33 18% 48%
Mattress review websites N=33 21% 48%
Retailer websites N=38 18% 44%
Mattress manufacturer websites N=35 31% 44%

Q13. You said in your shopping journey you will visit at least one brick-and-mortar store. How long do you think it will take you to get to that store? (If you plan to visit more than one store, please think of the store that is the farthest away and/or will take the most time to get to.)

10 minutes or less 7%
10-20 minutes 30%
20-40 minutes 42%
40-60 minutes 15%
More than an hour 5%
Not sure 1%

Q13A. You said in your shopping journey you will not visit any brick-and-mortar mattress stores. Which of the following best describe why? Check all that apply.

COVID-19 concerns 61%
Better price online 31%
Lack of time to shop in person 28%
Mattress store is too far away 16%
Other 2%
Not sure 4%

Q13B. You said there are not brick-and-mortar mattress stores close enough for you to shop at. How far away is the closest mattress store to you?

Less than 20 minutes away 36%
20-40 minutes away 29%
More than 40 minutes away 14%
Not sure 21%

Q14. Where/how do you think you will purchase your mattress?

Online 54%
In-Store 34%
Not sure/other 12%

Q15. What kind of mattress do you think you will purchase?

Foam mattress made without springs or coils 37%
Spring mattress 29%
Sleeper/sofa 11%
Waterbed 6%
Air/adjustable air chamber 5%
Futon 3%
Other/not sure 7%

Q16. How important are the following to your final purchase decision?

N=187 Top 2 Box
Price 84%
Long-term warranty 79%
Free delivery 75%
Online reviews 72%
Easy returns 72%
Mattress brand 69%
Free setup 63%
Free removal of old mattress 60%
Free trial at home 58%
Financing 57%
Family/friend recommendations 55%

Q17. About how much time do you think your entire journey will last? Think of when you will first start shopping for a mattress until you purchase it. (Do not include delivery and setup.)

1-3 days 16%
4-7 days 32%
8-14 days 17%
2-3 weeks 15%
About 1 month 9%
1-2 months 4%
More than 2 months 4%
Not sure/I don’t know 4%

Q18. How will you get your mattress home?

Delivered 78%
Picked up 13%
Not sure/I don’t know 9%

Q19. How will you receive your new mattress?

Folded, rolled or compressed (boxed) 53%
Not folded, rolled or compressed (unboxed) 24%
Not sure/I don’t know 23%

Q20. After your mattress is delivered, how will it be set up?

Set it up on my own 53%
Set it up for me 44%
Not sure/I don’t know 3%

All Respondents – Profile Questions 

 

Gender %
Male 49%
Female 50%
Other/prefer not to answer 1%
Age %
18-24 10%
25-34 28%
35-44 29%
45-54 14%
55-64 10%
65+ 9%
Marital Status %
Married/live together 65%
Single 26%
Divorced/separated/widowed 9%
Education %
Some college or less 43%
College graduate 34%
Postgraduate education 23%
Ethnicity/Race %
Hispanic/Latino 10%
White 78%
African American 15%
Asian 4%
Other/prefer not to answer 6%
Employment %
Employed full time 63%
Employed part time 11%
Unemployed (includes homemakers and students) 17%
Retired 9%
HHI %
< $35,000 21%
$35,000 to $49,999 14%
$50,000 to $74,999 17%
$75,000 to $99,999 19%
$100,000+ 28%

Survey Details: Better Sleep Council November 2020

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Sleep off the Stress of 2020 https://bettersleep.org/blog/sleep-off-the-stress-of-2020/ Mon, 07 Dec 2020 18:12:22 +0000 https://bettersleep.org/?p=3950 Sleep off the stress during holiday season.

The events of 2020 have upended schedules, changed the way we work, kept us at home and turned us into toilet paper hoarders – all of these new stressors are affecting our sleep. Luckily, we’ve learned a lot this past year and have a few ideas on how you can sleep off the stress of 2020 and head into 2021 well-rested.

The Best at Sleeping the Worst

In 2019, the Better Sleep Council (BSC) launched The State of America’s Sleep, an annual survey measuring sleep quality in the U.S. By January 2020, research showed that sleep quality had declined compared to last year.

Fewer Americans were getting the minimum recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night (54% in January 2020 vs. 60% in 2019). America’s stress levels increased, more Americans felt financially strapped, and fewer used coping mechanisms to deal with stress.

And then, in March, things got worse. Much worse. COVID-19 reached the U.S.

COVID-19 vs. Sleep

During the early days of the pandemic, BSC fielded a follow-up survey to see how exactly coronavirus had changed the way Americans sleep. Spoiler alert: It’s not good news.

  • As of March 2020, the number of Americans getting the minimum recommended hours of sleep declined even more (54% in January 2020 vs. 49% in March 2020).
  • Fewer Americans woke up feeling rested and refreshed often or frequently (30% in January 2020 vs. 24% in March 2020).
  • More Americans described their sleep as poor or fair (43% in January 2020 vs. 52% in March 2020).
  • All of the sleep issues that COVID-19 amplified have also led to a significant increase in negative mentions about sleep on social media (up 62% from last March).

So, what does all this mean for you? What can you do to get through the rest of 2020, and 2021, with as little stress and as much restful sleep as possible? Here are three key themes to keep in mind:

Routine, Routine, Routine

While the world may seem a bit unhinged right now, you can create a sense of normalcy in your day-to-day by creating new routines – especially for sleep.

Certified Sleep Educator Terry Cralle suggests that the pandemic has allowed us to reevaluate our sleep schedules. “Before the lockdown, many children, as well as adults, were overscheduled. We traded sleep hours for long commutes, work, social events and more. For some of us, there are now fewer excuses not to get the sleep our minds and bodies require.”

Set up a sleep schedule for yourself and be consistent with it. At least an hour or two before you turn in, turn off electronics such as your phone, computer and TV. Before bed, practice yoga, drink some warm tea, or do anything that relaxes you and gets you in the mood for sleep – your pre-bed ritual is the foreplay to a restful night.

Self-Care Your Way to Better Sleep

Ever heard of the phrase “Treat Yourself”? 2020 is the time to start doing that.

You may have saved some money this holiday season on travel, food and buying gifts due to COVID restrictions. Why not spend your holiday fund on improving your sleep environment? Invest in a new mattress, buy blackout curtains or a sleep mask, and celebrate the holidays with sleep.

Self-care isn’t just buying yourself gifts – it’s about establishing a healthy mental and emotional lifestyle too.

Add a Method to Fight the Stress Madness

Trying to manage your different stressors can seem almost impossible during a year like this. Not only are we fighting through a pandemic, but we just finished a hotly contested presidential election season. Election Stress Disorder (or ESD) is real and affects people on both sides of the political aisle.

Thankfully, there are just as many de-stressing options out there as there are things to stress over.

For instance, the philosophy of feng shui aids in creating a balance within your home and promotes a positive, stressless environment – perfect to cancel out the negative energy from back-to-back, work-from-home Zoom meetings.

Or, if financial stress is keeping you up, you can schedule time in the day to focus on your finances – to avoid having the issues keep you awake at bedtime. There are also nonprofit groups that offer free financial help through these stressful times.

Find the cause of your stress and then find a specific de-stressing method for whatever is keeping you up.

This year has piled on heaps of stress in our lives, but you can combat it and get back on the right track to Snoozeville. Set new routines, practice self-care and find specific de-stressing methods so you can get some better sleep through the end of 2020 and beyond.

The stress of 2020 may be affecting your sleep more than you think. Discover how to sleep better with help from @BetterSleepOrg.

Sources:

This blog provides general information about sleep and sleep products. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified heath care professional. This blog should not be construed as medical advice or used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care professional. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health or the health of others. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or elsewhere on bettersleep.org. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

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Tips for Better Sleep During Financial Stress https://bettersleep.org/blog/tips-for-better-sleep-during-financial-stress/ Wed, 02 Sep 2020 19:54:43 +0000 https://bettersleep.org/?p=3849 Financial stress robs you of sleep

It’s hard to hit the hay when the cows are mooing. And with all your financial worries right now, you could be dealing with a downright noisy herd in your head. Not only are financial worries stressful to think about during the day, but they can also invade your nighttime routine and make getting enough quality sleep feel like a faraway dream. Below, we have tips for better sleep during your financial stress.

A Financial Stress Wake-Up Call

In an attempt to discover positive and negative factors that impact sleep, the State of America’s Sleep study asked individuals questions related to their day-to-day lives and sleeping environment. It found that more than half (60%) of self-rated poor sleepers live paycheck to paycheck and three out of four (75%) are concerned about their own financial future.

Financial state plays a huge role in how we see and feel about ourselves, and 2020 has thrown a wrench into everyone’s financial stability.

Am I making enough money? Am I saving enough money? How am I going to pay that bill? Do I have enough to support my family? These are the questions that may already have been keeping you up at night and are now amplified due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 “The pandemic has created an environment of uncertainty and instability,” said Ellen Wermter, board-certified family nurse practitioner. Wermter continued, “All this change and instability creates immediate concerns, such as how to provide for self and family, but also longer-term worries about what the future holds.”

With everything going on, it’s no wonder that getting some shut-eye has become a lot more challenging, but the following can get you back to catching some Z’s:

Sleep Now, Worry Later

The goal isn’t to outright ignore your finances, but to set aside a time to think about them so they don’t pop up at bedtime and in your nightmares. What Wermter suggests is scheduling a specific time of the day or week to address financial concerns. “It is easier to tackle problems in small steps, and avoiding the problem only causes that nebulous cloud of worry to grow. Instead, concentrate on your money problem-solving efforts during the time you set aside, and then move out of that worry cycle.” Addressing your concerns during your worry cycle helps you minimize interruptions during your sleep cycle.

Work It Out

We all know the physical benefits of exercise, but don’t forget about the stress-busting benefits as well. When you exercise, your brain activates neurotransmitters called endorphins. (You may have heard of the “runner’s high.”) Endorphins are responsible for feel-good feelings of happiness and content. And feeling good aids in the sleep process. Exercise is a lullaby for your body, and just 30 minutes a day can prepare you for a good night’s rest.

Improve Your Pre-Bed Ritual

You can’t just jump straight into sleep. You’ve got to set the mood. Wermter suggests building a bedtime routine at the end of the day in order to “help prepare your body and mind for sleep.” A few simple pre-sleep activities you can add to your routine are to turn off your devices, submerge yourself in darkness with black-out curtains or enjoy a nice, relaxing drink like chamomile tea.

Find Financial Help

Even though sleep helps melt all of your troubles away, financial worries will still be there when you wake up. If you’re struggling, there are a number of groups, such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, that can help you get back on track. The NFCC is a nonprofit financial counseling organization that helps you manage debt at no cost. You can have an online chat or speak directly over the phone with a financial counselor. Through the pandemic, they’ve been advising people on emergency credit card payments and mortgage forbearance, while providing resources for COVID-19 emergency financial help.

Financial stress has been robbing you, leaving restless nights and even more stress in its wake. But the key to getting some shut-eye is to keep your eyes open. Set a time to handle your financial stress, create a better sleep routine and seek out financial help if needed to get back to a restful sleep.

Is financial stress robbing you of sleep? Discover how to take it back with tips from @BetterSleepOrg.

Sources:

This blog provides general information about sleep and sleep products. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified heath care professional. This blog should not be construed as medical advice or used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care professional. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health or the health of others. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or elsewhere on bettersleep.org. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

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