The survey divided women respondents into categories first based on their lifestyle (such as single and working, stay-at-home moms, part-time working women and empty nesters) and by their biological status in life (for example, menstruating, pregnant or postmenopausal). Perimenopausal women spend the least amount of time in bed—an average of only 7 hours 12 minutes on weeknights—and postmenopausal women had the highest incidence of sleep disorders such as snoring, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. Eight out of 10 pregnant women in the survey reported symptoms of insomnia and 40 percent indicated some type of sleeping disorder.
Working single women reported spending the least amount of time in bed—less than six hours a night. More than half said they often wake up feeling unrefreshed, but seven out of 10 of them don't do anything about their sleepiness. Instead, they said they accept it and plow ahead through the day. Also, 47 percent said they cope with the help of caffeine, consuming an average of 3.1 cups or cans of caffeinated beverages a day.
Nearly three-fourths of stay-at-home moms say they experience insomnia and more than half wake up in the middle of the night or rise the next day feeling groggy. These moms are more likely to sleep with an infant or child—a factor that likely contributes to their sleep deprivation.
Lack of sleep interferes with many aspects of women's daily lives. Busy working mothers reported being too tired to have sex with their partners, driving while drowsy and putting healthy activities such as exercise last on their list of priorities.
