Smokers tend to get fewer hours sleep than non smokers, according to a recent study.

The research, conducted by the Charite Berlin Medical School in Germany has revealed that out of nearly 1,100 smokers surveyed, 17% had less than six hours sleep each night and 28% of the respondents surveyed reported that they have suffered from disturbed sleep quality.

Smoking affects sleep quality

Interestingly, the survey also compared these figures to 1,200 non smokers and the results highlighted that sleep disturbance was more common in smokers as opposed to the non-smokers questioned.

Although the findings cannot directly show that smoking impairs sleep, it has been suggested that there are others factors such as getting little exercise, that impact on the amount of sleep that smokers have.

Experts are suggesting that smokers are struggling to sleep at night as nicotine has stimulating affects that are likely to keep you awake for much longer.

Lead researcher of the study, Stefan Cohrs said: “If you smoke and you do suffer from sleep problems, it is another good reason to quit smoking,” Cohrs said.

Not only does poor sleep affect your overall mood and behaviour, it can also cause health problems such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease to occur.

The respondents of the survey included 1,071 smokers and 1,243 non-smokers and they were tested by carrying out a questionnaire that gauges sleep quality. Overall, the results from the survey indicate that more than one quarter of smokers had experienced ‘disturbed’ poor sleep, and as a result they are more likely to suffer the effects of insomnia.

Although smoking is one of the main factors of poor sleep there was also other contributing factors to account for such as age, weight and alcohol abuse, yet smoking was most commonly linked to poor sleeping patterns.

The prospect of getting a better night’s sleep is sure to encourage smokers to quit and people can also use this time to evaluate their sleep and look at ways they can change their health habits.

The Odd Mattress Company has a wide range of luxury mattresses and bed bases that can help you to have a much improved night’s sleep.

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