Survey finds almost 1 in 5 Americans takes sleeping aids

Nearly one in five Americans uses sleeping pills or medicines to help them sleep – but there are better ways to combat insomnia, according to Consumer Reports.

The September edition of the advisory guide contains a recent survey that found while almost a fifth of respondents take a prescription or over-the-counter sleeping aid, five per cent do so every night instead of the recommended maximum of a fortnight.

However, the organisation said that battling sleeplessness does not have to involve pharmaceuticals. It recommended using a sound machine to help encourage shut-eye, because these can be relaxing and provide the right environment.

In addition, troubled sleepers in the UK might want to consider buying a new mattress or contemporary bed.

Tempur or Vi-Springmattresses both provide a range of clever features that combine to make curling up in bed a dream.

Classic Bed Company is the UK's premier bed store for ultimate comfort and luxury offering Tempur, Vi Spring, Willis Gambier, French sleigh beds and contemporary beds online