Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

DATE IN DIARY - Crampex National Sleep Disturbance Month: November

SLEEP DISTURBANCE MONTH
NOVEMBER 2007

Did you know that three quarters of us wake up EVERY morning still exhausted? That's why Sleep Disturbance Month (November 2007) has been established. Supported by Crampex and leading sleep expert Doctor Chris Idzikowski from the Edinburgh Sleep Centre, it is aimed at encouraging people to make sleep a higher priority.

IMPORTANCE OF GOOD SLEEP
Sleep is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health yet it is something we frequently take for granted according to Doctor Chris Idzikowski. He says: "It seems we are heading for an exhaustion meltdown as a nation and our lifestyles are leaving us constantly tired. This is detrimental to our health and it is vital everyone makes time to get plenty of good quality sleep. A good night's sleep not only keeps you feeling alert and refreshed, but it can also help weight loss, reduce depression and keep you feeling at your best."

SLEEP SURVEY
A survey of 4,000 people was conducted by Crampex and revealed the following results:

Sleep quantity
* 46% typically get six hours sleep a night or less, whilst 18% get under 5 hours rest
* Just 21% of the population are getting the recommended 8 hours a night

Implications of disturbed sleep
* A quarter of British people – that’s 15 million people - are taking days off work because they feel too tired after a bad night’s sleep
* Relationships are also suffering, with 68% admitting they are regularly put off having sex because they are too tired
* Four out of five would rather go without sex than put up with poor quality sleep
* One in twenty have ended a relationship because of a partner’s sleeping habits
* Three quarters said they wake up EVERY morning still exhausted
* 40% revealed they are so tired that they feel they need to nap during the day
* 66% said they would LOVE to get more sleep
* One in five have an alcoholic drink to help them get off, whilst one in ten regularly resort to medication to help them get to sleep

Factors disturbing sleep
* Eight in ten people have suffered from muscle cramp at night
* Half of those questioned were regularly woken up by their partner, with one in five disturbed EVERY NIGHT
* 66% admitted they were regularly kept awake by stress and worry, with money the most common source of anxiety, followed by work and family issues
* Even when asleep people can’t seem to get away from their work with 52% regularly dreaming about their job
* The most common external factors causing disrupted sleep were noisy neighbours, a snoring partner or family member, and restless children

GETTING BETTER SLEEP
If you are having sleep problems, whether you aren't able to fall asleep, wake up too often, do not feel well-rested when you wake up in the morning, or simply want to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep then try the following top tips put together by sleep expert Doctor Chris Idzikowski:

Keep to a routine each night that allows you time to relax – having a warm bath for half an hour or reading a book before bedtime will help you relax and sleep well.

Make your bedroom a haven of tranquility - use soft lighting, make sure it is clear of clutter, keep your bedroom well ventilated and use an air freshener to give it a pleasant and relaxing smell.

Take action to prevent factors that can regularly disturb sleep - if you are being woken in the night by a snoring partner or nocturnal muscle cramps then take action.

Keep a pen and paper beside your bed – this will allow you to write down your worries and anxieties so you don’t have to lie awake all night worrying about them.

Buy the biggest and best bed you can - you spend 25 years of your life in bed so you should feel totally comfortable.

If your bed partner stops you sleeping, consider separate beds/bedrooms - far from it being the end of intimacy, it could be the start. After a good night’s sleep – without your partner’s snoring or fidgeting - you'll be more refreshed and in a better mood.

Use the 20 minute rule – if you are awake in bed for more than 20 minutes, you should get up and rest somewhere. You should not return to bed until you feel sleepy.

Never try to fall asleep – it is harder to actively try and fall asleep – instead you should let go of being awake to be more successful

GOOD SLEEP ADVICE
For further tips or to complete an interactive quiz that will identify how good your sleep is then visit www.goodsleepadvice.com. (Live from 1st November 2007)

NOCTURNAL CRAMP – IS IT THE NEW SNORING?
Nocturnal muscle cramp is an extremely painful and distressing condition. It is more widespread than often believed, with eight out of ten people experiencing disturbed sleep because of cramp. Many people suffer in silence, but there's a product available which may help. Crampex is the only product available without prescription for the prevention and treatment of muscle cramp. Crampex costs from £4.29 for a pack of 24 tablets and is available over the counter from pharmacies. Always read the label.

For more info, contact Emma Glazier at Pegasus Public Relations at 01903 821550 or e-mail eglazier@pegasuspr.co.uk. Further survey statistics, case studies and expert interviews available upon request.