Credit crunch insomnia

Survey reveals new financial worries keeping people awake

(ARA) - If you lay awake late at night worrying about your finances you're not alone. The credit crunch is taking its toll on sleep habits, with Americans losing valuable shut-eye every night, according to new research from The Body Shop. Nearly half of people interviewed claim they are getting a worse night's sleep than before, mostly thanks to the economic downturn.

Conducted in March, The Body Shop Sleep Survey of more than 1,000 people reveals the extent of sleep lost each night across the country as men and women toss and turn worrying about the economic crisis. Twenty-eight percent of people are suffering from at least one hour of less sleep each night than in previous years, with men more badly affected than women. And one in eight people are losing at least two hours more sleep per night than before the credit crunch kicked in.

Money Worries Are No. 1 Sleep-depriver

Not surprisingly, research carried out by The Body Shop reveals that money worries are the No. 1 sleep-depriver, cited by 38 percent of those surveyed. Furthermore, Americans are also having restless nights worrying about their families.

High up the list of things stopping people from nodding off at night are worries relating to:

* Job security (21 percent)
* Food bills (16 percent)
* Paying mortgage or rent (15 percent)
* Cost of heating bills (13 percent)

Sleepy and Less Productive

Sleep deprivation has a negative effect on productivity and stress levels. At a time when people are worrying about financial security, most people said that lack of sleep made it hard for them to concentrate, while 31 percent said it was more difficult to focus at work. Worryingly, the effects of sleep loss have been cited as being similar or worse than the effects of drinking alcohol to excess.

Twenty percent of people say they are more likely to argue with their partners when they are sleep-deprived, while a few have even admitted to snapping at strangers.

Sex is Snooze Solution, Say Men

So what's the solution for a peaceful night? Sex, according to men. A frisky quarter of men revealed that this is their antidote to sleeplessness, compared with just 12.9 percent of women. However, topping the poll of sleeping aids are age-old remedies of hot baths and hot drinks, while counting sheep remains a popular alternative.

Sleep S.O.S.

The Body Shop Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow & Body Mist could be the answer the nation's insomniacs have been waiting for. This quick-drying mist-spray is packed with a soothing medley of chamomile, jujube date, geranium, juniper and patchouli essential oils to promote tranquility for a deeper, restful night of sleep. Applied to the pillow or body, the mist employs special encapsulation technology that allows bursts of active fragrance to be released throughout the night to aid more satisfying sleep.

For more information, visit www.TheBodyShop-USA.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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