One topic that has taken center stage in 2023 relating to wellness and nutrition is sleep. According to Google Trends, the quest for a good night’s sleep reached an all-time high this year, with ‘sleep’ becoming a prominent search topic. It seems that many Americans turned to the vast realm of the internet, seeking answers to the perennial question, ‘Why am I tired all the time?’
In a surprising result from studies, 37% of U.S. adults reported experiencing a decline in their sleep quality in 2023 compared to previous years. The struggle to find restful slumber led individuals to explore various sleep hacks. Among the top contenders, 45% opted for the age-old ritual of showering before bedtime, while 26% found solace in the embrace of a weighted blanket. Additionally, 26% embraced the fresh air approach by keeping their bedroom windows open.
Areas for Sleep Improvement
Adapting to healthier lifestyle choices, a notable 27% of individuals exercised more to enhance their sleep, while an equal percentage chose the early riser route. Curiously, 25% reduced their caffeine intake, recognizing its potential impact on sleep quality. Surprisingly, only 19% took the radical step of turning off their phones at bedtime, highlighting the pervasive influence of technology on our nightly routines.
In the pursuit of the perfect night’s sleep, many turned to tangible solutions. The most popular purchases aimed at improving sleep included comfortable pillows (40%), quality sheets (24%), and the game-changing new mattress (23%). It seems that investing in the foundation of a good night’s sleep became a priority for many in 2023.
Noise took on new dimensions, with 22% exploring alternatives like pink or brown noise. Meanwhile, the rise of sleep podcasts, recognized by 20%, hinted at a growing trend of seeking auditory relaxation aids in the quest for better sleep.
Newest Technology
Beyond tangible products, the awareness surrounding sleep trends also encompassed technological innovations. Smart mattresses gained the spotlight, capturing the interest of 25% of individuals seeking a more tech-savvy approach to slumber.
The Fitbit, and other smart devices, utilize movement and heart rate metrics to analyze sleep patterns and stages. This tracking generates a daily report on sleep duration, movement, nighttime awakenings, and time in each sleep stage, providing insights for improving sleep hygiene. Advantages of sleep tracking include:
- Adequate Sleep: Evaluate data to adjust sleep and wake times to meet recommended sleep amounts.
- Improved Sleep Hygiene: Fitbit creates a preset sleep schedule with bedtime reminders for activities like dimming lights and reducing screen time.
- Optimal Sleep Environment: Experiment with adjustments based on Fitbit data, such as lowering the thermostat and darkening the bedroom.
- Healthy Daytime Habits: Monitor how daytime habits impact nighttime sleep and make informed adjustments.
Another recent technological advancement involves a CARE appliance, the first FDA-approved oral device for severe sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can stem from naturally narrow mouths and throats, where relaxed upper airway muscles cause breathing pauses during sleep. CARE appliances treat OSA by gradually expanding the palate and, in some cases, moving the lower jaw forward. This helps prevent airway blockage during sleep.
Unlike CPAP therapy, which sees up to 83% non-compliance, and surgery, which can be expensive and risky, CARE appliances offer an appealing alternative. Studies indicate that these appliances are generally well-tolerated, with minimal risk of major side effects, and they may even create space between teeth in some cases.
As 2023 wraps up, if you are feeling that your sleep quality has decreased due to one of the contributing factors shared in this article, or other various reasons, connect with the Alaska Sleep Clinic for a free consultation.
