A 2005 survey from the Better Sleep Council (BSC) finds that an increasing number of women feel that a good night's sleep is central to their overall health and well being. The poll, however, shows that just because women may understand the critical link between sleep and total health, many women are failing to get the sleep they need. Previous research has shown that women are more sleep deprived than men, having greater difficulty falling and staying asleep and experiencing more daytime sleepiness. In fact, 26% of women report trouble sleeping at least once a week compared to only 16% of men.

According to the survey, 68% of American women admit to sleeping less than the recommended average of eight hours per night, and one-third of women respondents feel that a good night's sleep is as important as exercise and a healthy diet in attaining a balanced lifestyle.

So what's getting in the way of quality, restful sleep for most women? The top three factors that rob women of sleep, according to the Better Sleep Council survey are 1) stress (regarding work and/or family), 2) ailments (allergies, colds), and 3) uncomfortable mattresses and pillows.

The 2005 BSCsurvey also reveals that the following groups of women are experiencing more sleep loss than others:

Divorced and Separated Women: Women who are divorced or separated were 9 percentage points more likely than single women and 6 points more likely than married women to say they get, at most, 5 hours of sleep a night.

Non-Professional Women: Women who do not work outside the home were 8 points more likely than all other women to get less sleep than they need. Meanwhile, female business professionals are among the most likely to get a good night's sleep.

Northeast and West Coast Women: Women living in these populous areas have the more trouble sleeping than people in other regions.

Minorities: Hispanic women (27%) were 5 points more likely than African American women (22%) and 14-points more likely than Caucasian women (13%) to report not getting enough sleep.

BSC conducted a stress and sleep survey which revealed the following about women:

• 16% of women would try getting a good night's sleep to improve their overall wellness.
• 26% of women are likely to invest in a mattress as an in-home wellness item.
• 27% of women say sleep is the most important component to their overall well-being.
• 31% of suburban moms are likely to make sleep a priority.
• 45% of women agree they feel most refreshed after a good night's sleep.
• 50% of women with children agree that sleep is the best way to recharge, nine points higher than women without children.