Modern technology has dramatically affected Australian's sleeping patterns, leaving the majority of people waking up tired after a night's sleep, a new study shows.
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More than 13,000 people participated in the online survey by Central Queensland University and bed manufacturer Sealy. Australia's largest sleep study to date has revealed Australia is a sleep-deprived nation. Just over 95 per cent of Australian's surveyed said they woke up tired in the morning and one third of people called into work sick because of a lack of sleep. Almost 40 per cent of people were so tired at work they drifted off to sleep during meetings or at their desk.
Sleep expert and director of Central Queensland University's Appleton Institute Drew Dawson said there was more going on in people's bedrooms than ever before.
The survey found a large influx of televisions, video games, telephones, computers and other screen based technology in people's bedrooms and most people are being woken up during the night by phone calls and email alerts.
The most popular bedroom activity besides sleep and intimacy was using a computer, followed by reading, watching television and folding clothing. Those who didn't have a TV slept more, the survey found.
''These activities that compete for your attention at night have increased exponentially,'' Professor Dawson said.
''The amount people do in their bedrooms is mind boggling.
''It used to be a place where people slept. Now it's just a room with a bed.''
''People aren't getting enough sleep.''
The ACT has been dubbed the sleepy city as Canberrans are getting the most sleep, according to the survey.
Professor Dawson said it was because Canberra had the lowest proportion of shift workers.
The number of single person households has increased dramatically over the past three years, making up a quarter of people surveyed.
In the past people have attributed sleep disruption to partners, but researchers say single people are ''co-sleeping with their computers'' and technology now plays a main role in their inability to sleep.
''The communication a person would have once had with their partner is now happening through technology,'' Professor Dawson said.
''What most people are doing is figuring out the minimum amount of sleep they can get by on. I suspect, like junk food, the short-term taste appeal often wins even if it isn't in your long-term best interest, which is to get good quality sleep needed to be bright eyed and bushy tailed.''
Coffee drinkers reportedly slept less and people who exercised fell asleep faster than those who didn't.
