Cantabrians Most Upset by Poor Sleep in New Zealand - New Research

A lack of good sleep is bringing down more Cantabrians than anyone else in the country, with the majority saying they feel sad or depressed as a result of missing out on sleep.

According to new research, commissioned by local sleep support company Tru2U, 64% of Canterbury residents say they feel sad or depressed following a bad sleep; in Auckland and Wellington, that figure is lower at 58% and 59% respectively, while the national average is 60%.

The survey on the nocturnal habits of Kiwis also found over half of all Cantabrians are not getting enough shuteye to operate at their peak physical or mental capacity, with 55% believing they don’t get enough sleep or feel well rested.

It also revealed six out of ten of those dwelling in Christchurch and its surrounds (61%) struggle to get to sleep at night or have a family member who is left counting sheep every evening - but the dangers of not getting enough sleep are much more than just feeling down the next day.

Along with low moods and grumpiness, scientists have also linked a lack of quality sleep with numerous health issues, including a higher likelihood of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Recent research has even suggested a link between less sleep and conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.

According to the survey, the majority of Cantabrians (64%) get between five and seven hours of sleep every night, with 32% saying they get eight hours or more - despite experts recommending eight hours for most adults in order to feel rested and refreshed in the morning.

“Many scientific studies have shown that a lack of quality sleep can cause mood swings, and particularly make people feel irritable, vulnerable to stress, and more susceptible to negative thinking,” says Tru2u’s Simon Musgrave (MAppSc). “This research shows that for Canterbury residents, this is definitely true.”

Musgrave says while seven hours may possibly be enough for some people, getting less than eight hours sleep is generally “selling yourself short. Most people need eight hours or more in order to feel their best, perform at their best, and be at their healthiest. Kiwis are active and leading busy lives, which means we need to give our bodies the chance to relax, recover and heal overnight,” he explains.

Kiwis need to make quality sleep a priority, much the same as including exercise and healthy eating, in order to feel both happy and healthy, Musgrave says. “An unbroken and deep sleep helps maintain our hormonal balance, manage our weight, and enhance our memory.

“People who start to sleep regularly and in a healthy routine will feel the benefits in many areas of their life very quickly,” he adds, recommending that Cantabrians establish a regular bedtime and wake-up time that allows for at the very least seven hours sleep each night, and look for natural ways to aid them if they have difficulty getting a quality sleep.

For more information, see www.tru2u.co.nz.