Is Your Relationship Keeping You up at Night?

Is Your Relationship Keeping You up at Night?

Australians are not getting enough quality sleep and those in relationships are suffering the most, according to a survey released by well-being innovators Westin Hotels & Resorts in celebration of World Sleep Day on 18 March, 2016. 

Distance makes the heart grow fonder and the slumber better with over half (52%) of Australians in a relationship saying they sleep better when their partner is not in the bed.  Of this number, females (57%) were more likely to get a better rest when they had the bed to themselves compared to men (47%). Of those surveyed, almost all (94%) agree that quality sleep helps foster a good relationship to some extent and of this number, over half (56%) believe good sleep plays a significant part. 

The survey also uncovered that on average, Australians only get 6.5 hours of sleep a night, with just one in four achieving eight hours. Only 6% of Australians said that they always get enough sleep to feel at their best. Surprisingly, Australians are getting less sleep as they get older with millennials getting an above average 6.8 hours of sleep per night while baby boomers get a below average 6.4 hours sleep. 

The results, released by Westin Hotels & Resorts today on World Sleep Day, highlight the need for good sleep, considered one of the three elements of health by the World Sleep Society along with balanced diet and regular exercise.

Aside from relationship status, the other major factor affecting quality sleep was comfort. Two in three (65%) Australians believe that their bed at home is more comfortable than the average hotel bed and almost one quarter (23%) said that either the pillow or mattress being uncomfortable kept them awake at night. 

Westin Hotels & Resorts has been pioneering the importance of restful sleep since the inception of the Heavenly Bed, 'The survey results show how much your surroundings can impact your sleep. At Westin Hotels & Resorts we understand the importance of deep and restful sleep and we aim to inspire guests towards positive habits that create the best environment to induce restorative sleep," said Vincent Ong, Senior Director, Brand Management, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific.

-Sleep Well' is a pillar of Westin Hotels & Resorts well-being philosophy, aimed at inspiring guests to embark on the path to wellness. The six pillars of well-being – Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well and Play Well – promote a comprehensive 360 approach to healthy lifestyles. 

In keeping with the Sleep Well philosophy, Westin's iconic Heavenly Bed has been carefully crafted to promote superior sleep - from the crisp, white, 250–thread count sheets to the down duvets, plush pillows and custom pillow-top mattresses. Eating right can also have a positive effect on sleep which is why the items on The Westin Sleep Well Menu are packed with amino acids, vitamins and minerals that promote rest and recovery. Recommend by the experts at SuperFoodsRx™, the menu includes items such as a yogurt parfait with toasted oats and blueberries or a turkey avocado wrap that have been hand selected by each hotel for a bespoke approach to restful sleep.

Westin Well-Being Brand Advocate Rachael Finch, a certified health coach, television presenter and model, also believes sleep plays a vital role in our overall health and wellness, 'Prioritising sleep over family or work commitments can be difficult, but the benefits of restful sleep can truly be life changing. The Westin Well-being Movement echoes my ethos that sleep is vital to your health by promoting restful sleep through programs and amenities, including the Westin brand's signature bed". 

As a Westin Well-being Advocate Rachael has developed her top tips to ensure Australians achieve the dream of a good night's sleep:

Try magnesium as a natural ingredient to promote restful sleep patterns. It also calms your nerves and muscles.

Sip chamomile tea from about 30 minutes after dinner to before you go to bed.

Apply lavender oil to your pulse points to induce slumber. Studies have shown that inhaling lavender produces soothing and sedative effects.

Try a simple stretching session with a focus on good breathing technique before bed to prepare for sleep and don't be tempted to use any technology after, as it will stimulate the nervous system and reverse the positive effects of your stretch.

For further information on The Westin Well-Being Movement visit www.westin.com/wellness and to learn more about Rachael Finch visit rachaelfinch.com.

Westin Hotels & Resorts, a leader in wellness and hospitality for more than a decade, lives its philosophy 'For a Better You™" through the Westin Well-being Movement's six pillars: Feel Well, Work Well, Move Well, Eat Well, Sleep Well and Play WellTM. At more than 200 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, guests can experience offerings that include the iconic Heavenly® Bed, RunWESTIN™ and Westin Gear Lending with New Balance®, delicious and nutritious SuperFoodsRx™, the innovative workspace Tangent, Westin Weekend signature experiences, and Heavenly Bath® and Heavenly Spa by Westin. Westin is proud to offer Starwood Preferred Guest®, the industry's leading loyalty program. To learn more, visit www.starwoodhotels.com/westin. Stay connected to Westin: @westin on Twitter and Instagram and facebook.com/Westin.