New research reveals that Australians are stressing away quality sleep, with many people being kept up at night due to high stress levels.
The Blackmores Stress & Sleep research study revealed that almost two thirds of those surveyed are finding stress is negatively impacting their sleep, while nearly a quarter have contacted a health professional because of stress.
72% say they want to make a greater investment in their health in 2021, and 47% are concerned their health is not where they want it to be.
Already, this trend has led to 65% of people investing in products to try and get better sleep, although only 20% have looked to herbal or natural remedies to support their stress and sleep concerns.
Others appear to be taking a more passive approach when their sleep is interrupted, with more than half of those surveyed closing their eyes and hoping they fall asleep again.
Nearly one in five said they reached for a book, and 17% turned to Netflix.
Self-care important for healthy sleep
With more people actively looking to take control of their health, Blackmores is calling for Australians to embrace self-care as part of their daily routine in a bid to rejuvenate stress and sleep patterns.
Managing Director, Blackmores Australia and New Zealand, Ayumi Uyeda said, ‘After the year we’ve just had we saw everyone affected by stress in some form or another.
‘Blackmores is here to support Aussies take control of their stress by encouraging them to dedicate time each day to rejuvenate their overall wellbeing, by embracing self-care. We want people to feel inspired and able to make the changes they need to their stress levels and ultimately, improve the quality of their sleep,’ she said.
‘From our research, we found most Australians don’t know there are natural ways to support your health journey. On top of simple lifestyle changes such as meditation and moving your body, there are also supplements that can help support sleep and stress concerns,’ said Ms Uyeda.
Ten suggestions
To help people rejuvenate their greater wellbeing, Blackmores has ten suggestions to create lasting change to stress and sleep patterns.
- Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath and then reading a book or listening to soothing music.
- Use your bedroom only for sleep, to strengthen the association between bed and sleep.
- Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool.
- Maintain regular sleeping patterns, including on weekends.
- Finish eating at least 2-3 hours before your regular bedtime.
- If you’ve been lying awake in bed for a long time, get up and try doing something relaxing, like reading or watching television.
- Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 20-30 minutes of movement outdoors each day.
- Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Caffeine and nicotine can keep you awake, and alcohol can disturb sleeping patterns.
- Clear your mind so you’re not trying hard to fall asleep. Distract yourself by reading until you become drowsy.
- Contact Blackmores Naturopathic Advisory Service on 1800 803 760 (Mon-Fri 8:30am – 5:30pm AEST) for personalised health advice on how to improve your nightly sleep routine.
Stress & Sleep
With almost half of those surveyed highlighting that their sleep quality changed last year, Blackmores offers a range of products dedicated to Stress & Sleep. They say the way in which stress impacts an individual’s daily life, including their sleep patterns, will determine what product is best for them.
Ayumi Uyeda said, ‘The Blackmores Stress & Sleep range has a variety of products, expertly formulated to provide a natural way for Aussies to support their wellbeing, despite what else may be going on.’
Blackmores also offers a free Naturopathic Advisory Service, offering personalised health advice. For more information, go to: www.blackmores.com.au/ask-a-naturopath.
