Hey packlings 👋
The results from the annual US News sleep study have arrived - are Americans finally well rested? And what books should you be reading this holiday season if better sleep is on your to-do list? We’ve got the answers in this week’s edition of sleep & fitness news. Let’s get into it…
🛏️ How Many Americans Are “Never Well Rested”?
U.S. News just dropped their annual sleep report, and it looks like a good chunk of the nation is on the struggle bus to Snoozeville. Tossing and turning is the new norm, with 43% of U.S. adults reporting bouts of insomnia this year. Even more eye-opening? A solid 21% say they're never well rested. Also, a full one-third of couples are opting for a "sleep divorce," choosing solo slumber parties over a shared bed. Turning to consumer trends there was a propensity for cotton sleep materials for summer, flannel for winter, and nearly 40% of folks are tuning into the white noise wave to drown out the chaos of the day.
🫀 3 Tips for Improving Your HRV from WHOOP’s CEO
In the world of wellness metrics, the new kid on the block is heart rate variability (HRV). If you’re sporting a fitness tracker on your wrist or finger, you’re probably already tracking your HRV. It’s an important metric in monitoring your body’s readiness to respond to higher levels of physical stress. So how can you fine-tune your HRV to a personal best? Here are WHOOP CEO Will Ahmed's top three tips:
- Hydrate like it’s your job: Hydration keeps your recovery swift which can in turn improve your HRV score.
- Zen out: Regular meditation, yoga, or even a mindful moment with your coffee can also elevate your HRV to new heights.
- Count sheep for success: Quality Zs have been shown to boost your HRV, so set a sleep schedule that maximizes your hours of quality sleep.
📚 The 7 Best Books for Better Sleep According to the NYT
The New York Times asked sleep clinicians and researchers for their recommendations on which books you should dive into if you’re looking to improve your sleep. At the top of the list is the unofficial bible on sleep - Matthew Walker’s ‘Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams.’ Next on the list is none other than Arianna Huffington’s ‘The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time.’ Arianna has become a celebrity advocate for better prioritizing your sleep after her eye-opening experience working herself nearly to death at the helm of the Huffington Post. Check out the full list here to dig into: mindfulness & insomnia; better sleep for couples; and exploring the science behind dreams.
👩💻 How Sleep Loss Impacts Employees & Cost Companies
The hidden thief of workplace productivity? Sleep deprivation, of course. According to the National Safety Council, it's draining up to $3,100 per employee from companies’ pockets annually. Safety administrator Mark Rosekind is sounding the alarm on the costs of insufficient sleep. His research is a wake-up call — showing that sleep loss also leads to costly and dangerous workplace mishaps. For example, it’s been shown that being sleep deprived and driving to or from work can be as risky as being drunk and deciding to get behind the wheel. Rosekind references the 2008 US Olympic volleyball team - which brought home gold, due in part to the sleep strategies that he worked on with the team - as a great example of how making quality sleep a team effort can lead to outsized positive results.
🧠 FDA Clears Neurostimulation Sleep Device for Insomnia
Meet Modius Sleep, the new insomnia-busting headset by Neurovalens. This device sends gentle electrical whispers to your vestibular nerve, with the aim of syncing your circadian rhythm and guiding you to sleep. The FDA just gave the green light for this non-invasive tech, paving the way for insurance coverage talks and hopefully, a little more shut-eye for your insurance plan. Neurovalens has already seen positive results from the UK and Hong Kong, promising a shift from measuring to treating sleepless nights. Unlike a typical sleep tracker, the Modius Sleep is like a bedtime prep coach, best used as you're winding down, with 30 minutes of neurostimulation indicating it's time to hit the hay. Clinical trials are showing real numbers, with a pilot study revealing a dive in insomnia severity index scores after just two weeks of pre-slumber sessions.
That's it for this week's sleep news highlights. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on optimizing your sleep and health, and remember to follow @lagoonsleep on Instagram for your daily dose.
