Sleep Problems Plague Two-thirds of Britons

An exhaustive study named ‘ The Great British Sleep Study conducted in Britain has found that two-thirds of people are victims of some form of sleep problems, like sleep apnoea, teeth-grinding and insomnia. A poll of more than 5,300 people has revealed that only 39 per cent of adults actually get a good night sleep.

Insomnia happened to be the most common problem affecting 37% of people who experienced trouble falling asleep or getting back to sleep after waking up at night.

Another 24 per cent had problems of teeth-grinding and sleep apnoea.

Lack of sleep can affect health adversely, the survey revealed. Insomniacs are three times more likely to suffer from depression, and four times more likely to experience difficulties in relationships.

Dr Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said "Whilst great emphasis is rightly placed on the importance of diet and exercise, sleep has for too long been neglected as a major influence on the physical and mental health of the nation. Up to a third of the population currently suffers from insomnia, and with stress and longer working hours on the rise in the current economic climate, it is crucial that we now treat the issue of sleep problems as the major public health concern it is."

Prof Colin Espie, director of the Glasgow University Sleep Centre, said: "The Great British Sleep Survey data show the extent to which sleep disorders can inhibit the very essence of who we are: our relationships, our mood, our ability to complete day-to-day tasks. These factors in turn have an impact on our health - sustained periods of low mood, relationship difficulties and lack of exercise due to low energy levels, for example, are all notable causes of mental health problems such as depression."

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Source-Medindia