The Key to Wellness -- More ZZZZZZ's

Starting every day with a good night’s sleep is important year round, but especially in May, which is Better Sleep Month. The Better Sleep Council reminds sleep-deprived Americans that getting plenty of rest can effectively reduce stress and improve their quality of life.

Just what keeps Americans up counting sheep at night? To find out the Better Sleep Council (BSC) conducts an annual stress and sleep survey. This year’s findings reveal a range of insights on Americans’ stress and sleep cycles.

According to the survey, women say getting a good night’s sleep is their top priority for personal wellness. Twenty-seven percent believe sleep is more important to wellness than eating a balanced diet (24%) and exercising 30 minutes a day (19%).

However, while they say it’s key to wellness, a good night’s sleep is just a dream for many women. In terms of what they actually do, women ranked getting a good night’s sleep third (16%) behind eating a balanced diet (22%) and exercising (26%). In fact, while 45% of women say they feel most energized after a good night’s sleep, only 16% say that they are likely to sleep more to improve their overall wellness.

Recognizing the important role sleep plays in quality of life, the BSC encourages women—and men--to take the time during Better Sleep Month this May to evaluate their sleep habits and sleep environment. The BSC has developed Ten Tips to help you start every day with a good night’s sleep.

1. Give yourself "permission" to go to bed. As hard as it may be to put away your "to do" list, make sleep a "priority." You'll thank yourself in the morning.

2. Unwind early in the evening. Try to deal with worries and distractions several hours before bedtime.

3. Develop a sleep ritual. Doing the same things each night just before bed signals your body to settle down for the night.

4. Keep regular hours. Keep your biological clock in check by going to bed around the same time each night and waking up close to the same time each morning – even on weekends.

5. Create a restful place to sleep. Sleep in a cool, dark room that is free from noises that may disturb your sleep.

6. Sleep on a comfortable, supportive mattress and foundation. It's difficult to sleep on a bed that's too small, too soft, too hard, or too old.

7. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help relieve daily tension and stress – but don't exercise too close to bedtime or you may have trouble falling asleep.

8. Cut down on stimulants. Consuming stimulants, such as caffeine, in the evening can make it more difficult to fall asleep.

9. Don't smoke. Smokers take longer to fall asleep and wake up more often during the night.

10. Reduce alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol shortly before bedtime interrupts and fragments sleep.

For additional findings from the third annual stress and sleep survey or to download a free copy of the updated Better Sleep Guide, visit www.bettersleep.org.