Whether Waking Up During The Night Or Not Falling Asleep, More Than Half Of American Adults Suffer From Sleep Problems

MARIETTA, Ga., Sept. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifty-two percent of American adults have sleep problems, according to a March 2013 omnibus survey of United States adult sleep habits (1,001 adults aged 18+ survey by MidNite®, the drug-free sleep aid, www.midnitesleep.com).

Of those suffering from lack of sleep, the survey found that problems falling asleep and staying asleep occur about equally (70 and 67% respectively). However, waking in the night is the most common sleep problem for women 35+, while for men 35+ the most common issue is falling asleep.

The MidNite survey brought to light the prevalence of waking in the night – not only for women, but for people who have trouble sleeping in general; of those who have trouble sleeping 20+ nights a month, 80% report waking in the night.

Other key survey findings included:

• Age affects the frequency of sleep issues. Americans over 34 experience sleep problems more frequently (average 13.2 nights/month) compared to their younger counterparts (aged 18-34) who experience sleep problems an average of 11.7 nights/month.
• People with sleep problems prefer over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids to prescription sleep aids. Sixty-one percent of those with difficulty sleeping use a sleep aid. About half use an OTC sleep aid. The incidence of prescription sleep aid usage is considerably lower (19% among those with sleep problems).
• On average, those with difficulty sleeping have trouble nearly half the year, or 12.5 times a month.
• Only half of people (49%) experiencing sleep issues consider it to be a problem.
• The main reason adults with sleep problems don't use over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids is "fear of dependency."

"We know that identifying the individual's sleep issue is an important first step toward developing an effective and healthy solution for better sleep," says Jeff Cohen, vice president and general manager, Meda Consumer Healthcare Inc. (makers of MidNite). "Whether the issue is trouble falling asleep or waking up during the night, better sleep habits are a priority for the MidNite brand to help people get a better night's sleep and wake alert."

"The findings that MidNite uncovered reinforce its use as a key element in a healthy sleep hygiene regimen," says sleep expert, Dr. Lisa Shives, M.D., founder of The Linden Center for Sleep and Weight Management in the Chicago-area. "It is a natural way to help the body get back into the rhythm of sleep so those with sleep issues can feel better when they're awake."

Of note, only half of people (49%) experiencing sleep issues consider it to be a problem. "In my practice I find that people can be hesitant to confront their sleep problems and seek medical help," commented Shives. "I work with them to develop healthy sleep habits, such as limiting exposure to light before bed and often recommend a melatonin sleep aid, like MidNite, as a way to help the body get back into the cycle of regular sleep, helping them to fall asleep and stay asleep."

MidNite is a good solution for adults with these apprehensions as it is drug-free, non-habit forming and can be used at any time during the night (with three more hours to sleep) without the side effect of morning grogginess. Backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, MidNite is available at leading retailers and drugstores nationwide for the suggested average retail price of $9.99.

About MidNite Drug-Free Sleep Aid
MidNite is a non-habit forming, drug-free sleep aid that contains a unique combination of melatonin, lemon balm, chamomile and lavender that work to relax the body so the natural sleep cycle can take over. MidNite does not "knock you out;" it helps those with occasional sleep problems fall asleep and wake alert. MidNite chewable tablets can be taken without water for night wakings anytime during the night, up to three hours before waking, without the worry of morning grogginess. MidNite begins activating the natural sleep cycle within 20-30 minutes of taking the recommended dose. Learn more at www.midnitesleep.com.

About Meda Consumer Healthcare
Meda Consumer Healthcare is the U.S. over-the-counter division of Stockholm-based Meda AB, a top 50 global specialty pharmaceutical company. As a key part of Meda's business strategy, the consumer healthcare division extends Meda's reach into the fast-growing OTC and dietary supplements markets. The Meda Consumer Healthcare portfolio includes household brands that help improve the lives of consumers such as Contac®, Geritol®, MidNite® and Vivarin®.

MidNite is a dietary supplement. As such, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

SOURCE Meda Consumer Healthcare