Stress from the recession is continuing to take a toll on Americans health, the results of a new survey suggest.
According to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation, one in three people are losing sleep because they are concerned about their personal finances or the state of the U.S. economy.
The findings also reveal that 40 percent of Americans believe sleep is just as vital as diet and exercise to maintain health and wellbeing. Still, the number of people sleeping at least eight hours per night has fallen over the past eight years, from 38 percent to 28 percent.
“Its easy to understand why so many people are concerned over the economy and jobs, but sacrificing sleep is the wrong solution,” commented David Cloud, CEO of the NSF.
People who find themselves afflicted by stress and sleeplessness may want to examine their lifestyle, including how much they exercise and the types of foods they eat.
Some have found that herbal supplements such as chamomile, ginseng and valerian may also help them deal with stress.