Shocking sleep stats…

Shocking sleep stats…

With daylight saving starting this weekend, already sleep-deprived New Zealanders are going to struggle when they lose an hour.

A Southern Cross Healthcare Group survey into the living habits of Kiwis has revealed that almost a quarter of us already feel tired or fatigued every day, with this rising to 36% among people under 30.

The survey also showed that 80% of New Zealanders would rather have a full night’s sleep than a big night out.

Worse still, it revealed that one in ten (11%) New Zealanders have fallen asleep at the wheel.

Southern Cross Health Society CEO Peter Tynan says the survey showed that New Zealanders are desperate for sleep.

“A US National Health Interview Survey linked sleep problems to obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, the risk of stroke, diabetes and depression – getting a good night’s sleep is a building block of a healthy lifestyle,” says Tynan.

“Interestingly our research also showed that over half of us are using an electronic device an hour before bed. So a big part of the problem could be put down to our pre-sleep routine.”

Following good bedtime habits – not drinking caffeine or exercising too close to bedtime, going to bed and getting up at the same time, and not having any loud external stimuli – can help the brain relax and go towards getting a good night’s sleep.

“In our lifetime we spend on average 26 years sleeping, and we all know that having a good night’s sleep is a fundamental part of leading a healthy life – it’s important to get it right.”

The survey was conducted on behalf of Southern Cross who are looking into the living habits of Kiwis as part of its sponsorship of new TVNZ show Kiwi Living.

“We want to get Kiwis motivated and making small changes that pay long term dividends with their health and wellbeing,” says Tynan.

ENDS

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