At a Time When Many Americans Seem to be Losing Sleep, Men and Women Worry Differently, According to a National Sleep Survey

Hyland’s, Inc. Survey Reveals “What Keeps You Up At Night”

Los Angeles (November 20, 2008) – While it is no surprise that the economy is the leading cause of stress-induced sleeplessness in our country, the effects of the economic challenges in turn increase our stress levels in just about every aspect of our lives, including our careers, kids and the value of our homes. In a national sleep study involving over 1,000 men and women, conducted for Hyland’s, Inc., a leading national provider of over-the-counter natural medicines, by Guideline, it turned out that women and men are equally worried, but their worries are surprisingly distinct. The multiple stressors that men and women face are part of the widespread anxiety that currently exists throughout our country, leading to many sleepless nights.

When asked to determine what keeps them up at night, the same national sleep study concluded that women are most stressed by personal factors that hit close to home, such as credit card debt, their children and their marriage or relationship. The study’s male respondents, however, claimed that some of their largest stressors were more global in nature, including the presidential election, the housing market and the War in Iraq. For example, 26% of women said that their children ranked as one of their three largest stressors. Of the men questioned, only 16% said their children were among their top three stressors. What both groups agreed upon was that career is their second largest cause of stress behind the economy.

It seems that despite the great divide between the male and female psyche, stress today in America stems from unease regarding the financial outlook of both the national economy and the family budget. “With all of this stress and worry about how the world will look each morning, Americans are missing out on vital sleep each night,” said Dr. Alcibiades Rodriguez, M.D., Medical Director of the New York University Sleep Institute and Assistant Professor of Neurology at NYU School of Medicine. “Stress is a leading cause of sleeplessness. As the body becomes deprived of sleep, anxiety builds and the sleeplessness cycle takes form. The general public needs to read their own body’s signs and do what they can to receive at least seven hours of quality sleep each night.”

Of those surveyed, 66% said that they would benefit from more sleep, with half of respondents receiving between only four to six hours of sleep on average each night, a far cry from the recommended seven to eight hours per night.

“There are many ways that people can help themselves achieve a better night’s sleep naturally, so as not to interfere with their body’s natural rhythm,” advised Rodriguez. “Relaxation techniques, yoga, dream imagery and natural sleep medicines may help to relax the patient and decrease anxiety, which could result in a better night’s sleep.”

Over 50% of those surveyed felt that natural medicines were effective sleep aids. In fact, when respondents were asked what qualifications in a medicine made them feel the most safe, the second leading qualification was whether a medicine was “all natural.” “All natural” was second only to being “doctor recommended,” the number one qualification of safety as indicated by respondents.

J. P. Borneman, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Hyland’s, Inc., which sponsored the national survey, said that the national epidemic of sleeplessness was one of the reasons the company was sponsoring a web site designed to help Americans get more sleep. “This new web site helps you keep track of your sleep patterns and receive recommendations on improving your sleep,” according to Dr. Borneman.

Hyland's and the “What Keeps You Up At Night?” campaign are working to help people nationwide get their best night's sleep. To create your own sleep tracker to monitor your personal sleep habits and learn about ways to get a better night's sleep, visit: idreamofsleep.com.

Full results to Hyland's, Inc.'s national sleep survey are available upon request.

About Hyland’s, Inc.
Hyland’s, Inc., a subsidiary of Standard Homeopathic Company, develops homeopathic formulas with the highest quality natural ingredients following the strictest standards of preparation. With over a century of commitment, Hyland’s tradition of excellence consistently provides quality and integrity in every product. From Hyland’s Teething Tablets to Hyland’s Calms Forté, Hyland's cares for your family at every stage of life. Consumers can trust all Hyland’s products to be natural, gentle, effective and safe for the entire family.

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