Parent poll reveals sleep deprivation widespread

Tuesday 13th November 2012

Sleep deprivation is the main household concern for 60% of American families, according to the results of leading US-based parenting resource BabyCenter’s Sleep Special Report. The problems associated with lack of sleep outweigh the traditional worries of financial pressure and work-related stress.

Other findings from the poll include that half of parents get less than six hours of sleep per night, a third can’t remember the last time that they had the full recommended eight hours of sleep and around 40% of partners sleep in separate beds to allow for better sleep.

“When you have young children who don’t sleep, it’s an all-consuming problem that trumps every other concern in the house,” said BabyCenter’s Linda Murray. “Sleep issues feel intractable to many parents. You can take steps to deal with finances… but most parents don’t have the tools to deal with their family’s sleep issues.”

Sleep deprivation is known to be related to a number of serious health problems, including depression, a reduced immune system and fatigue, along with impacting on day-to-day performance and productivity. 

Tags: sleep deprivation

Category: Sleep Research

< Back to blogs home