A Disturbed Night's Sleep: Britain's Dirty Bedroom Secrets Revealed

Online, August 6, 2012 (Newswire.com) - A quarter of people surveyed (26 per cent) admitted that they regularly sleep in dirty bed sheets that are washed only once a month or less. A further 13 per cent sheepishly confessed to sleeping on dribble stained pillows, with sweaty marks (7 per cent) and stains (8 per cent). 10 per cent of women admit they sleep in make-up and fake tan stained sheets, whilst 11 per cent of men said they regularly share their bed with their dog.

If this wasn't bad enough, a whopping 70 per cent take an array of gadgets including mobile phones, laptops, and electronic books to bed with them.

For many Brits, the bad bedroom habits start before they hit the sheets with 52 per cent falling asleep in front of the television before bed, meaning they often begin their night's sleep groggy and cramped. Over a third (33 per cent) said that the last thing they do before nodding off is to check their phone for emails and social networking updates.

The research found that most only sleep through the night four nights a week. It also found that women are twice as likely as men to be disturbed at night, with a partner's snoring, night cramps and needing the toilet most likely to keep them awake.

Sleep expert Dr Neil Stanley said: "With habits like these, it's little wonder that only 35 per cent of Brits are getting the recommended eight hours sleep a night, and that only 15 per cent are getting an undisturbed night. Not only are these habits affecting our quality of sleep, dirty beds can be a breeding ground for nasty germs and even bed bugs.

"People are living increasingly cluttered lifestyles and often forget that their beds and bedrooms should be a place of sanctuary, cleanliness and relaxation. Too many of us fall into bed without the time to wind down or prepare, and as a result our beds and bedtime routines are messy, hectic and not conducive to a good night's sleep.

"Trying to unwind at the end of the day can be difficult when you feel pressure to do chores in the home, cook dinner, exercise or catch up with loved ones. However, it is essential to tackle poor sleep, as the resulting emotional or health problems can be very detrimental to everyday life, making it hard to cope and stay positive."

Now available in the pain relief aisles of Boots pharmacies nationwide, Crampex tablets help to both treat and prevent muscle cramp at night. Crampex is now available in a pack of 12 tablets priced at £2.99. Always read the label before use.

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Issued by: Pegasus Public Relations
On behalf of: Thornton & Ross
Press enquiries: Emma Begg / Claire Matthews (01903) 821550
cmatthews@pegasuspr.co.uk / ebegg@pegasuspr.co.uk

What is Cramp?
Leg cramp occurs when the muscles spasm. This is where the muscles suddenly shorten (contract), causing pain in your leg.
Leg cramp can last from a few seconds to 10 minutes.

In most cases the cause is not known but can be linked to factors such as poor circulation, tiredness, muscle tightness, dehydration, poor posture or a calcium deficiency.

One theory is that cramps occur when a muscle that is already in a shortened position is stimulated to contract. This action drains the body of calcium (which washes over the muscles in solution form each time they are contracted) and to contract further may cause the muscle to go into a spasm. This commonly happens when at rest - explaining why stretching exercises can often help relieve the pain.