Daylight-Saving Time Doesn't Have To Rob You Of Quality Sleep: Simmons Company and Leading Sleep Doctor Offer News You Can Snooze

Furniture World Magazine

On April 4, millions of Americans mourned the loss of an unsung hero - sleep. Our bodies were set back by "springing forward," suffering the implications of one less hour of sleep. Sixty-three million Americans are plagued by sleep deprivation, and chances are that number will skyrocket when the nation is forced to part with 60 minutes of shuteye. Simmons Company and sleep expert Dr. James B. Maas are teaming up to educate Americans on the importance of quality sleep, encouraging Americans to use daylight-saving time as a wake-up call to evaluate personal sleep habits. While April 4 marked the day on which everybody changed alarm clocks, how and what consumers do after April 4 will change their biological clocks. "To be fully alert we must spend one-third of our lives in bed yet sleep is considered a luxury, not a priority. That needs to change, and daylight-saving time is a perfect time to start making that change. Healthy sleep has been proven to be the single most important determinant in predicting longevity - more influential than diet, exercise or heredity. Practicing good sleep habits should be integrated into our daily health regimen, just like exercise and diet," said Dr. James B. Maas, leading sleep expert and best-selling author of Power Sleep. The effects of poor sleep extend far beyond the brief episodes of drowsiness; personal health and safety are also at risk. According to a survey commissioned by Simmons Company, two-thirds of Americans polled experienced a negative incident due to insufficient sleep. Topping the list are falling asleep on the job, falling asleep at the wheel or having a car accident, and getting physically ill or fainting. "Because most people don't recognize they're sleep deprived, they continue to engage in behaviors that enhance the problem, such as drinking alcohol before bed or sleeping on an old or poor quality mattress. The side effects of sleep deprivation vary in degree, but even minimal sleep loss can yield damaging results," said Maas. Other reasons why you don't want to be sleep deprived: Mood shifts Decreased reaction time Stress, anxiety, loss of coping skills Weight gain Reduced immunity to disease and viral infection Lowered productivity For more information on Simmons and their educational programs for home furnishings retailers go to the Simmons web area on furninfo.com