Americans work hard. Committing themselves to early morning commutes and all night grind sessions, there’s not much time to catch up on sleep. Sleep deprivation is rampant throughout the entire country, with millions of Americans considering it a staple of their work week. With a new distraction seemingly around every corner, there’s virtually unlimited possibility for us to put off the essential sleep we need every single night. We try to make up for it with ultra-comfortable and even expensive adjustable beds like Tempurpedic mattresses, which may help a little but ultimately the effects of sleep loss emerge. What’s the real story behind Americans ceaselessly burning the midnight oil?
American workers are putting in serious overtime. Current economic conditions have prompted many employees to work beyond the regular 40 hours a week, a necessary evil. The problem is even more prevalent amongst lower-income households, individuals working multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Your financial situation is instrumental in determining the amount of sleep you receive. Your primary job makes a big difference in sleeping hours.
The most well-rested jobs in America:
1. Sales representatives
2. Bartenders
3. Construction workers
4. Engineers
5. Pilots
Adversely, the least well-rested jobs in America:
1. Financial analysts
2. Programmers
3. Social Workers
4. Physicians
5. Lawyers
Region is another key component to sleep deprivation. Statistically speaking, your area of the country has less ability to sleep every single night. Employment levels vary from region to region, decisively dictating whether you have a long morning ahead each night. While the entire country is predominantly sleep deprived, certain areas suffer more than others. What areas of the country are seriously sleep deprived?
Charleston, WV
Knoxville, TN
Paducah, KY
Colorado Springs, CO
Madison, WI
Technology has become more universal amongst every household. The accessibility of the internet and television has resulted in both a blessing and a curse, the freedom of information versus perpetual stimulation. Never before has it been easier to lose track of time, locking ourselves into a constant state of engagement. It’s no wonder that despite the popularity of high end adjustable beds Americans’ sleep is suffering as a result.
Televisions and computers are now a staple of modern American bedrooms, a severe blow to the simplification any sleeping quarters should model. The bedroom is no place for serious distractions like internet or television — yet many sleep deprived Americans pay little heed. The important thing to note is a bedroom is no more comfortable with or without such luxuries.
Consequences of Sleep Deprived Americans
Cutting a few hours here and there from your sleep schedule can take a steady toll. Sleep is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, responsible for fending off illness and a variety of health complications. An overall lack of sleep can lead to the following serious conditions:
Heart disease Diabetes Obesity Various Sleeping Disorders
Furthermore, the drowsiness that follows sleep deprivation is incredibly dangerous. Sleep deprived drivers are responsible for a high percentage of highway accidents each year, resulting in the death of thousands. Many studies have conclusively reported that driving or operating heavy machinery while drowsy has a similar effect to drinking alcohol.
So what’s the real story behind American sleep deprivation? Sleep is no longer a priority for one reason or another, whether consciously or not. Americans work hard and they need to balance that act with the proper amount of rest every night. The key is maximizing the sleep you can get. The most significant difference you can make in improving your relationship with sleep is updating you mattress. A memory foam mattress from Amerisleep can provide the best pain relieving support possible, allowing you to wake up each morning feeling refreshed & rejuvenated.
Content Strategy courtesy of Kim Tyrone Agapito of One Mall Group. Follow him on Google+ and Twitter.