More than Half of All Working Women Are Sleep-Deprived

Despite my best efforts to avoid checking the time, I peeked. 6 a.m.: An hour when dedicated business professionals from around the nation wake up, get dressed, and embark on another day at the office. I, however, hadn't slept a wink. Although I lay in bed for the requisite eight hours, I never achieved my ultimate goal: REM sleep.

If you've ever suffered from insomnia, then you know how frustrating it can be. After all, when all you want is a few solid hours of shuteye, there's nothing more infuriating than tossing and turning throughout the night. However, did you know that this disorder is largely gender-specific?

The Gender Gap

According to a study conducted by researchers at the Comprehensive Epilepsy and Sleep Disorders Center at Baylor Regional Medical Center in Texas, more than half of all working women struggle with insomnia. That's right; out of 30 women who roam the halls of your office, at least 15 of them are operating on insufficient sleep. And, since sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, medical experts fear that this finding could have dangerous implications for women nationwide.

According to Raul Noriega, manager of Baylor's Sleep Disorders Center, several factors contribute to insomnia among women. They include:

1. Chronic Job Stress

It's a vicious cycle. As women, we're stressed out because we run ourselves ragged on insufficient sleep. However, we're not sleeping because we're stressed out. "Once your head hits the pillow, your only duty is to sleep," Noriega says. "[However, women] start thinking about what they forgot to do, about the kids, work deadlines, unpaid bills, the stock market." Basically, we want to rest our weary minds, but they're too preoccupied to relax.

Case in point: After I returned from vacation last week, I was so bombarded with work and household tasks that I contemplated them until 5 a.m. Unfortunately, this only compounded my problem; now, I was behind on my work and delirious.

2. The Coffee Conundrum

Let's face it: Our society has a serious love affair with coffee. (Full disclosure: I've been known to guzzle anywhere from three to five cups of java a day.) In fact, if you were to visit any strip mall or shopping center in any town, you would likely see an abundance of coffee shops. Starbucks? Dunkin Donuts? Caribou Coffee? Oh my!

But, have you ever considered how your java habit may be affecting your sleep quality? Since coffee is a stimulant, it should be avoided up to six hours before bed. Also, try to keep your coffee consumption down to no more than two cups a day. Another option: Learn to love decaf.

3. Keep It Cool

Ever notice how your body wakes you up when it's hot? Since our body temperature falls approximately one degree during sleep, it's important to keep your bedroom as cool as possible. To avoid receiving a sky-high electric bill, however, consider investing in a floor or overhead fan. After all, it's just a small price to pay for a good night's rest.

Noriega also warns against exercising near bedtime. Remember: Any form of physical exertion raises your core body temperature, so avoid working out less than three hours before bedtime.

4. Create - and Maintain - a Sleep Routine

If you're looking for a surefire way to attain more shuteye, then consider developing a nighttime routine. For instance, Noriega recommends creating a relaxing ambiance, taking a warm shower, and dimming the lights. All of these physical cues trick your body into thinking it's time to relax. Also, the number-one rule of sleep: Go to bed at the same time each night. Rest assured: By establishing a sleep routine, your body will begin to crave the "ZZZs" it so desperately needs.

Up for Discussion

Have you ever suffered from insomnia? If so, what non-drug-related measures have you taken to combat it? Please share your reactions to this research with the OfficeArrow community.