Report: 40% of Israelis losing sleep
Central Bureau of Statistics survey shows many Israelis suffer from sleep disorders, find it difficult to fall asleep at night and feel tired throughout the day – all because of stress
Many Israelis suffer from sleeping disorders and fatigue throughout the day because of stress, a Central Bureau of Statistics survey reveals.
Nonetheless, the average Israeli fails to undergo medical tests for early detection of cancer and most still don't get vaccinated against the flu.
The survey was conducted in 2010 and its findings were published Tuesday.
Less sleep, more worries
The findings reveal that 20% of Israelis over the age of 20 get less than six hours of sleep a night. Thirty-one percent of respondents aged 65 and up reported of greater sleeping disorders.
Thirty-nine percent of Israelis over the age of 20 find it difficult to fall asleep the entire night from time to time. An average of 14% find it difficult to fall asleep every night or almost every night – 17% of women and 11% of men.
The rate of people who have trouble falling asleep almost every night increases with age from 10% among Israelis aged 25-44 to 36% among Israelis over the age of 75. About 18% feel very tired all day long, and 12% say their sleeping disorders greatly affect the way they function throughout the day.
About a quarter (24%) of the population aged 20 and up often felt stressed in 2010, compared to 29% in 2007 and 32% in 2003. Fifteen percent reported of worries disrupting their sleep, compared to 21% in 2007 and 2003. In 2010, 9% felt depressed.
Women, more than men, reported of feelings of stress (29% compared to 19%), depression (11% compared to 7%) and worries disrupting their sleep frequently (18% compared to 11%).
Ignoring preventive care
According to the survey, about 71% of Israelis over the age of 20 had their blood pressure checked in the past year compared to 95% of Israelis over the age of 65.
About 70% had a cholesterol check in the past five years, and 58% - in the past year. The percentage of women who were examined is higher than the percentage of men.
And yet, in terms of cancer prevention tests most Israelis neglect their bodies: Only about 10% were checked for suspicious moles and spots over the past year. Among Israelis over the age of 50, only 54% had a fecal occult blood test for the detection of colorectal cancer.
Although these tests are free, the survey's respondents failed to take advantage of the opportunity to be examined.
The Israeli population is neglecting its health in terms of early detection of prostate cancer as well: Only 24% of men over the age of 50 took the test in the past year.
As for women aged 35 and up, only 40% underwent cervical cancer screening. Among women aged 40 and up, only 57% were screened for breast cancer with mammography in the past two years.
About half of respondents, most of them high-income earners, had their teeth examined or treated in the past year. The percentage of those who had their teeth cleaned is double among high income earners: Fifty-six percent compared to 29% of low-income earners.
Neglect is apparent in terms of protection against winter diseases as well: Only 23% of Israelis over the age of 20 received a vaccination on the year the survey was conducted. The immunization rate increases with age, reaching 57% among people over the age of 65.
