Better Sleep Council Aims to Cure Teens of Zombieitis!

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Better Sleep Council (BSC) cautions that teenagers around the world are exhibiting symptoms of Zombieitis, otherwise known as sleep deprivation, at unprecedented rates!

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110811/CG50742)

The only hope for a cure to Zombieitis for these unsuspecting teens is 9-10 hours of quality sleep. August marks the beginning of the BSC's program targeting one of the highest risk groups during this time of year — students. The Stop Back to School Zombieitis campaign, from the BSC, was developed to warn parents and teens about the dangers of Zombieitis, inform them of the cure and to help stop the spread of this detrimental affliction. Zombieitis can cause sufferers to exhibit Zombie-like symptoms including irritability, depression, anxiety, apathy, decreased brain function and a distracted disposition.

Heading back to school is an exciting time for students, but it also means an adjustment from their summer lifestyles, especially their sleep schedule. Teenagers are known for late nights and sleeping in late during the summer months, so starting school is often a difficult change. When preparing for school, most teens and parents are concerned with the traditional back to school list of supplies.  Too often overlooked are other preparations, such as transitioning to a new sleep schedule and sleeping on a quality mattress, as an important element to a successful school year.

Doing well in school is one of the most important aspects to ensuring a child's success in life, and getting enough sleep is the best way to provide that foundation for a successful school year. "Lack of sleep has been associated with a decrease in mental aptitude in multiple studies and is one of the most basic needs for memory function," stated Karin Mahoney, BSC's director of communications. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends teens get 9 to 10 hours of sleep a night to perform their best, and a mattress is a vital element to reaching that goal. According to a study by the BSC, "There is firm scientific evidence of the critical link between mattress quality and sleep quality, as well as the importance of regular mattress replacement."

For teenagers, feeling rested does not just affect academic success, but also their capability to perform in after-school activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Students in today's society strive to be well rounded by participating in extra-curricular activities and holding part-time jobs. But without the right amount of sleep they will not have the energy to do so. Lack of sleep has also been linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices as well as a decrease in motivation. One study conducted at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey "highlight(ed) the importance of diagnosing sleep deprivation as a risk factor for obesity among young adults," which ultimately affects the overall health and well being of a teenager. To learn more about the campaign, visit www.bettersleep.org. For up-to-the-minute news on campaign activities, please visit the following social media channels:

Campaign Microsite: www.StopZombieitis.com

Facebook: facebook.com/StopZombieitis

Twitter: twitter.com/StopZombieitis

Youtube: youtube.com/user/StopZombieitis

About the Better Sleep Council

The Better Sleep Council is the consumer education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, the trade association for the mattress industry. With a quarter century invested in improving America's quality of sleep, the BSC educates consumers on the critical link between sleep and health, as well as the role of the sleep environment. This is primarily done through an informative consumer website www.bettersleep.org, partner support, and proactive consumer media outreach.

SOURCE Better Sleep Council