44% of Americans are "problem sleepers," and too many rely on pills; CR report

Some "44% of Americans are 'problem sleepers;' they have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or wake up too early at least eight nights per month," states a new Consumers Union survey to be published in the September issue of its Consumer Reports.

In fact, survey respondents told Consumer Reports they are turning to drugs when other remedies can be just as effective. Even sound machines, which can be purchased from between $20 and $129, can be helpful, often as much as drugs, notes the magazine.

In a nationwide survey of 1,466 adults, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center in April 2008, people were asked how well they slept the night, week and month before participating in the survey. The key findings were: