Brighton sleep survey: a study of sleep in 20-45-year olds.

A total of 2714 people, aged 20-45 years from the Brighton area who completed a questionnaire were interviewed on their sleep patterns and complaints, medication, behavioural aids, and consumption of caffeine and alcohol. Analysis showed that 24% had delayed sleep onset, 23% awakened frequently, 19% awakened early, 21% were dissatisfied with sleep, and 8% took medication to aid sleep. Of those on night shifts, 29% awakened frequently and 25% awakened early. There were 648 responses describing behavioural sleeping aids. The moderate consumption of caffeine and alcohol had no significant effect on sleep. The main differences between this survey and other published data relate to the comparison of sleep reports from men with those from women, the sleep of nightshift and dayshift workers and the effects of caffeine and alcohol. These differences may arise from sampling characteristics and the form of the questionnaire.