Report shows the link between tech and bad sleep
- The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Health Index (SHI) shows that technology is playing a huge role in sleep, and not for the better
- 48% of Americans say they use some sort of device in bed before they go to sleep, with those people averaging an overall SHI of 75 (out of 100), two points lower than the overall average of 77
- 21% of people say that at least once in the past week they’ve checked their device after being awakened in the middle of the night, while 43% of people have actually sent a text or email after being awakened in the middle of the night
It’s no secret that most Americans don’t get enough good quality sleep, and according to a new report, our addiction to technology could be to blame. The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Health Index (SHI) shows that technology is playing a huge role in sleep, and not for the better.
The report claims that 48% of Americans say they use some sort of device in bed before they go to sleep, with those people averaging an overall SHI of 75 (out of 100), two points lower than the overall average of 77. What’s more, their sleep quality SHI was five points lower than those who don’t use technology in bed at all (60 vs. 70).
But it’s not just folks using tech before bedtime that’s the problem. Believe it or not, 21% of people say that at least once in the past week they’ve checked their device after being awakened in the middle of the night. These people scored an SHI 10 points lower for overall sleep and 13 points lower for sleep quality than those who don’t check their tech. And they’re not just looking, with 43% of people actually sending a text or email after being awakened in the middle of the night.
- And not getting enough or good quality sleep can certainly affect a person’s health. In fact, those who considered themselves to have good overall health scored significantly higher on the SHI for both overall sleep and sleep quality, as compared to those in poor health. What’s more, those who say they suffer from severe or very severe stress also had a worse overall and sleep quality SHI than those with little stress.
Source: Yahoo News