Stay-at-home mothers suffer from worst sleep deprivation, and the chronic lack of sleep makes women stressed and anxious, new study says.

According to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation (NFS), 70 percent of women frequently have a problem getting a quality night sleep, and 60 percent only get a good night's sleep a few nights a week.

Seventy two percent of working mothers and 68 percent of single working women also suffer from insomnia and are struggling to cope with a lack of sleep.

 

Kathryn Lee, of the National Sleep Foundation says women's lack of sleep affects virtually every aspect of their time-pressed lives, leaving them late for work, stressed out, too tired for sex and with little time for their friends. 39 percent also reduced the time they spent with friends and family, 37 percent stopped eating healthily, and 33 percent stopped having sex with their partner.

When women don't get enough sleep most put up with it but 65 percent are likely to drink coffee or caffeinated beverages in order to keep going and instead of going to bed early to make up for the lack of sleep, 87 percent said they watched television in the hour before going to sleep and 37 percent did other activities, the research found.

Women who sleep with a pet in the bedroom are significantly more likely to report insomnia and daytime sleepiness than women who sleep with a spouse or child in the bedroom.

"Pets can have a calming effect on their owners, yet they can also keep their owners awake when they are allowed to sleep on the bed or in the bedroom," said Charles W. Atwood, MD. "If you are awakened by your pet on a regular basis, having a pet in the bedroom becomes counterproductive. When this happens, we recommend removing the pet from the bedroom to ensure it is not contributing to a patient’s sleeplessness.”

Postmenopausal women appear to have the most sleep problems and frequently use sleeping pills and have the most sleep disorders such as snoring, sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.

Here are some sleep recommendations:

• Keep a standard relaxing bedtime routine and regular sleep times. Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet, and make sure your pillows, sleep surface, and coverings provide you with comfort.

• Exercise regularly, but finish your workout at least three hours before bedtime.

• Avoid foods and drinks high in caffeine and alcohol a few hours before bedtime. 

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