Stress Keeps Americans Tossing and Turning

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- As stress from economic anxiety mounts, the Better Sleep Council (BSC) and the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) have joined forces for Better Sleep Month in May to help consumers enjoy a stress-less, good night's sleep. In order to get the best rest possible and help relieve stress, the BSC and CRN say it's essential for Americans to make a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Stress is a leading culprit that is robbing Americans of sleep, according to sleep researchers. While it is well known that stress can negatively impact sleep, new research from Oklahoma State University (OSU) confirms that cyclically poor sleep can elevate stress. The OSU study, "Back Pain, Sleep Quality and Perceived Stress Following Introduction of New Bedding Systems," published in the March 2009 Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, also suggests that improved sleep quality not only reduces stress, but also helps us manage everyday stress.

"When you're stressed, and similarly when you are tired, every aspect of your waking life is affected, from work to personal relationships and even concentration," says BSC spokesperson and lifestyle expert Lissa Coffey. "Controlling stress and getting a good night's rest start by evaluating your lifestyle and creating a healthy daily regimen that you can stick to. This includes adequate sleep, balanced diet, daily vitamins and healthy exercise."

The Sleep Escape
The OSU study also reveals that the mattress plays a critical role in the sleep-stress relationship and quality of sleep. In fact, the OSU study found that significant decreases in stress paralleled reports of a good night's sleep on a new mattress, compared to one that is five years or older.

"People across the country are facing hardships from job losses and money woes," adds Coffey. "A mattress that cradles you with comfort can go a long way to help reduce stress. It provides a good night's rest so that you can perform your best during the day, even in tough times."

The BSC advises consumers to take time during Better Sleep Month to evaluate their mattress for optimum comfort and support and consider replacing it every five to seven years.