A growing number of adults are seeking professional sleep coaching to combat anxieties and improve sleep habits, mirroring a trend previously seen primarily with newborns and their parents. A recent Gallup poll indicated that 57 percent of Americans believe they would feel better with more sleep, a significant jump from 43 percent in 2013, signaling a major shift in sleep quality, a performance metric that's taken a hit league-wide.
Only about a quarter of those surveyed reported getting the recommended eight or more hours of sleep per night, down from 34 percent a decade earlier, a stat comparable to a team's shooting percentage plummeting after a key player gets injured. This sleep slump has created an opening for sleep professionals to step in and help adults achieve better rest, much like a specialized coach is brought in to fix a struggling player's technique.
One sleep consultant, who previously focused on pediatric sleep, recognized the unmet need in the adult population and shifted her focus, similar to a star quarterback transitioning to coaching after retirement. She asserts that daytime and nighttime habits can be transformed to optimize sleep, offering a game plan for individuals struggling to unwind.
The increased demand for sleep coaching reflects a broader societal struggle with relaxation and disconnecting from daily stressors, a challenge reminiscent of legendary coach Vince Lombardi's emphasis on discipline and mental toughness. Margaret Thatcher, famously known for her limited sleep, once quipped, "Sleep is for wimps!" However, experts now argue that sleep is an active process requiring dedicated effort, much like training for a marathon.
The rise in sleep-related anxieties can be attributed to various factors, including increased screen time, political worries, and general stress, all contributing to a collective sleep deficit, much like a team's losing streak stemming from multiple injuries and poor morale. Sleep coaches aim to address these issues by providing personalized strategies and guidance, helping individuals reclaim their nights and improve their overall well-being, a move that could be seen as a crucial timeout in the game of life.
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