Press Release - June 3rd 2008
Technology gets in the way of a good night's sleep, warns
top Consultant
The grip of technology is causing
increasing numbers of people to develop chronic sleep disorders –
and the trend is getting worse, a leading consultant from The
London Clinic
has warned.
People are finding it increasingly difficult
to unwind before they go to bed, which can result in difficulty
sleeping and a deepening cycle of sleep deprivation.
A worrying survey1 commissioned by
The London Clinic reveals the extent of the problem, with
three-quarters of those questioned in full or part-time jobs
admitting to having underperformed at work because of lack of
sleep. Furthermore, almost one in five people (19%) claimed they
frequently made, or came close to making, errors of judgement as a
direct result of tiredness.
“Technology, or rather people’s dependency on
it, is having a damaging effect on people’s ability to have a
proper night’s sleep,” says Professor Badre, consultant in sleep
medicine and clinical neurosciences at The London Clinic.
“This is a modern phenomenon – traditionally
we have had a natural beginning and end to the day – called the
circadian rhythm, but in our wired-up culture our minds are
frequently over-stimulated by the time we go to bed. Sleep problems
cause day problems and can have terrible consequences in terms of
bad decision-making and potentially accidents. Technology is a new
type of stress and it is challenging the human body to the
max.”
The London Clinic’s survey highlights a number
of important issues. In particular, the bedroom is no longer
treated as a haven for sleep and relaxation. It is becoming more
and more crowded with technological equipment - more than half of
those questioned (52%) had a television in their bedroom, 29% a
computer and 29% a mobile phone. More than one in ten people (11%)
said it has even become an extension of their workplace.
Other key findings from the survey
include:
* Coffee and tea are the most
favoured stimulants when it comes to helping sleepy heads to get
through the day (53% vs 46%), with more than one in ten (11%)
seeking ‘help’ from energy drinks
* One in five people (21%) think
nothing of spending £250 or less on a bed, despite it being the
most important purchase for guaranteeing a good night’s sleep
* Watching the television (71%) or using the internet (70%) are the
most popular ways of unwinding after a busy day, while 30% choose
to relax with an alcoholic drink
* The key worries keeping people awake at night involve: partners,
family and children (34%), money (26%), while 24% put their
tiredness down to working late and 22% late night drinking (28% of
men vs 13% of women).
“It is no wonder people cannot switch off when
they go to bed,” adds Professor Badre. “While technology has made
our lives easier in many ways, our use of it is best kept in
moderation to avoid potentially serious consequences. However, the
problem can easily be remedied if people are prepared to take some
simple steps.”
To ensure a good night’s sleep, Professor
Badre recommends the following:
* Get up and go to bed at the
same time every day, including at the weekend and avoid spending an
unnecessary amount of time lying in bed, i.e. in the morning – this
will get your body into a set rhythm and build up a sleep
pressure
* Try to remain awake during
the day and do not snooze in the evenings. If you do find yourself
in need of a ‘power nap’, ensure it lasts no longer than 20 minutes
and is at least 8 hours before you are due to go bed
* Maintain regular eating habits during the day and do not smoke,
eat heavily, consume alcohol, caffeine or any other form of
stimulants at least 2 hours before you plan to go to
sleep
* Try not to do anything to
increase your mental or physical stimulation before bed, i.e. do
not run or go to the gym for at least 2 hours before you plan to go
to bed – any increase in body temperature will only make it more
difficult to fall asleep
* Have a few ‘slots’ during the day when you switch off your mobile
phone
* If you seldom feel refreshed in the morning, check the quality of
your night’s sleep – you could be a snorer, for which help is
available
* If you cannot manage to sleep enough during the night, try to
take a couple of short naps for a few minutes during the
day
Professor Gaby Badre is based The London
Clinic and specialises in sleep medicine and
clinical neurosciences.
ENDS
For more press information or to
arrange an interview with Professor Badre, please contact Tracey
Thompson, Ceri Chang or Jo Gulliver on: 020 8786 3860 or email
tracey.thompson@trinitypr.co.uk
/ pressoffice@thelondonclinic.co.uk
Notes to editors:
1 ICM interviewed a random sample of 1053
adults aged 18+ from its online panel between 23rd -25th May
2007. Surveys were conducted across the country and the
results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a
member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk
The London Clinic:
* One of the UK’s most
established independent hospitals
* Located on Harley Street in the heart of London’s medical
community
* Long-standing international reputation attracting leading
consultants
* Highly complex procedures in addition to routine surgery and
medicine
* 24 hour consultant-led Intensive Care Unit