What happened to the days of reading books to fall asleep? Rising numbers turn to alcohol to get a good night’s rest
A quarter of adults now claim that they often drink alcohol before nodding off
Another 12 per cent said that they no longer slept with their spouse or partner
The survey of 5,002 men and women also found rising numbers avoiding books
Source: Daily Mail
By Sophie Borland Health Editor
22 February 2017
Rising numbers are turning to nightcaps to help them get a good night’s sleep – and many are shunning their partners, research shows.
A quarter of adults say they drink alcohol before nodding off, up from 16 per cent four years ago.
Another 12 per cent said they no longer slept with their spouse or partner, a rise from 8 per cent in 2013.
The survey of 5,002 men and women by the Sleep Council also found that rising numbers were avoiding books.
Just 26 per cent said they read at bedtime compared to 41 per cent four years previously.
The research also found that a third of adults have suffered sleep problems for at least five years including a fifth who have been troubled by ten or more.
Just under three quarters – 74 per cent – sleep for the ideal seven hours or more while 12 per cent get less than five hours.
But it was the rise in adults drinking before bed which has most troubled researchers and charities.
Exactly 25 per cent said they used alcohol to help them sleep although not necessarily every night.
The rates were highest amongst the middle-aged and 30 per cent of the 45 to 54 year olds regularly drink at bedtime.
Campaigners pointed out that although alcohol may initially help people drop off, the quality of sleep tends to be less deep and more disturbed.
Todays’ research was carried out by the Sleep Council, a body funded by bed manufacturers to help promote the importance of a good night’s sleep.
It also found that fewer adults are checking their emails before bed just 6 per cent do now compared to 14 per cent in 2013.
Some 45 per cent said they were kept awake by stress whilst another 25 per cent said they were regularly disturbed by their partners.
Lisa Artis of the Sleep Council said: ‘The latest report is worrying on a number of fronts – particularly the facts which show we’re getting even less sleep now, the rise in alcohol consumption as a way of getting to sleep and the increase in couples who sleep apart.
‘On a more positive note, we’re pleasantly surprised to find less people are using technology in the bedroom before going to sleep – which is great news. TVs, laptops and games consoles all have a significant impact on our sleeping habits and using a gadget just before bed makes it harder to switch off mentally and wind down.’
A spokesperson from Alcohol Concern, said: ‘Alcohol acts as a suppressant on the brain which, as a result, causes drowsiness. This is why some people use alcohol to help them sleep.
‘Alcohol however actually stops you from getting deep sleep, which is the most restful part. This is why after a big night out people can often wake up feeling less rested even after a night’s sleep.
‘Although people can often get into the habit of having a night cap, people who take a break from booze in our Dry January campaign find that being booze-free for a month helps them sleep lots better and as a result, feel more energised.’
The research also found that 12 per cent of adults meditate to help them sleep, up from 8 per cent in 2013.
Another 24 per cent listen to music compared to 17 per cent four years previously.
Previous studies have repeatedly shown that a good night’s sleep can improve the circulation, boost the immune system and prevent obesity.
Research in November by the University of California found that sleeping problems increased the risk of an irregular heartbeat by 26 per cent.