Tim Phillips Show, 3/11/26

New research on sleep is constantly coming out and the latest is loaded with both good and bad news. The State of Sleep survey from Mattress Firm uncovers that most Americans know how to sleep better, but many still aren’t.

According to the survey of 2-thousand U.S. adults, they average 6.6-hours of sleep a night, but they consider 7.1-hours the ideal amount. In a typical month, they get eight bad nights of sleep, along with 10 “perfect” ones.

On the upside? Most of us aren’t falling for common sleep myths. Only 11% believe they can train themselves to need less sleep and just 15% think that naps automatically ruin nighttime rest.

Three-quarters (76%) of respondents closely follow a bedtime routine, and 79% of them say they sleep better when they do.

The most popular bedtime is during the 10 p.m. hour, when one in four hit the sack. Another 35% get in bed before 10 p.m. and 37% do it after 11 p.m.

It takes people an average of 21 minutes to fall asleep after getting into bed and turning off lights and distractions. A lucky third fall asleep in 10 minutes or less.

While we’ve all heard it’s better to avoid screens before sleep, two-thirds of those polled report watching movies, TV shows or scrolling their phones is “part of going to bed” for them. That jumps to 75% for Gen Z and millennials, but falls to 55% for baby boomers.

Over a third (35%) always or sometimes wear devices to track sleep.

A top sheet is an “absolute must” for 48% of all respondents and 59% of baby boomers.

The average ideal temperature for sleep is 66.3-degrees, and 68% would rather have it too cold when sleeping than too warm. Just 16% prefer it warmer.

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One-Hit Wonder - Dancing In The Moonlight    King Harvest    #13 in 1972

Pop-rock band from Olcott, New York: Ron Altback (vocals, piano), Eddie Tuleja (guitar), Rod Novack (sax), Dave Robinson (trombone), Tony Cahill (bass) and David Montgomery (drums). Altback and Robinson later joined Celebration, featuring Mike Love.

Do you spend hours cleaning before the house cleaners come? Paying someone to come clean your house is a luxury that can save you time and energy, but some people who do feel the need to get things ready before the crew arrives. While some of their efforts may be appreciated, it’s not all necessary and professional cleaners are sharing which tasks make a difference.

These are the things pros find helpful for clients to do in advance and what they can skip.

Clear off counters and other surfaces - Tidying and decluttering before the cleaners arrive is good because it lets them focus on getting your home spick and span. If they have to spend half an hour moving all the products from your bathroom counter first, that’s less time they’re actually cleaning, disinfecting and scrubbing.

Pick stuff up off the floor - Move packages, clothes and toys from the floor so the cleaners can properly vacuum and mop. Nobody wants to have to touch your dirty underwear before they can get the floor clean.

Do the dishes - This chore takes a long time and some cleaning services even charge extra if you want them to do the dishes for you.

Remove health and safety hazards - Your cleaner shouldn’t have to deal with any biohazards or bodily fluids, so you should get rid of any blood, urine, and pet feces before they come.

Secure your pets - Make sure your cleaner knows if you have pets at home and unless you make special arrangements with them, it’s best to keep cats and dogs in a comfortable area, like a crate or playpen, a spare room that doesn't need to be cleaned or outside.

Communicate your preferences and priorities - Your house cleaner may be amazing, but they can’t read your mind, so if there’s something you want them to focus on, please make them aware. They’re happy to do what matters most to you, you just have to tell them.

Secure sentimental items and valuables - Move those things to a safe location that’s out of their way to make sure they’re not damaged or misplaced.

What you don’t need to do? Pre-clean the house - Some clients actually clean before someone comes to clean, but pros say that’s not necessary. Don’t be embarrassed if your house is messy, that’s why you hired them. They’ve seen it all before and insist they’re not judging anyone!
Source: Huff Post