How Do Bulgarians Sleep?
Sleep is a key factor in maintaining good health, but unfortunately, many Bulgarians do not get quality sleep. Over 70% of people in the country struggle with falling asleep and wake up at least once during the night, disrupting their natural sleep cycle and transition through its different stages.
On average, Bulgarians take 21 minutes to fall asleep, but this is often accompanied by tossing and turning in bed (47%), nightmares (17%), or even taking medication for better sleep (13%). These insights come from a study conducted in 2024 by iSleep and Pragmatica Agency, in honor of World Sleep Day.
Although most Bulgarians believe they need at least 8 hours of sleep to feel well-rested, in reality, they sleep about two hours less. This results in reduced concentration, lack of energy, and increased irritability throughout the day.
Interestingly, men tend to sleep better than women and maintain a better emotional balance.
Sleep Quality and Age
It turns out that sleep quality is closely related to age and lifestyle.
• 76% of young people aged 25-29 experience sleep problems due to a sedentary lifestyle and working in front of a screen.
• This percentage increases to 82% among individuals aged 30-40, as balancing career and family life becomes more challenging.
• In older age groups, where careers are stable and children are grown, sleep problems decrease to around 70%.
Studies show that sleep quality is directly linked to physical and mental health, diet, and social interactions.
People who suffer from chronic sleep issues are more likely to experience stress, spinal disorders, herniated discs, headaches, numbness in the limbs, breathing difficulties, and snoring.
Lack of sleep doesn’t just affect our mood – it has a long-term impact on our overall health.
An unsuitable mattress and uncomfortable pillow are among the leading causes of poor sleep quality, body aches, and back problems.
The Most Common Factors That Negatively Affect Sleep
1. Screen Use Before Bed – Blue light emitted from phone, computer, and TV screens suppresses melatonin production, making it harder for the brain to prepare for restful sleep. Despite this, over 60% of Bulgarians admit to looking at their phones before bed.
2. Consuming Caffeinated Drinks Late in the Day – Coffee, energy drinks, and black tea contain caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system. Drinking these beverages in the afternoon or evening can negatively impact sleep quality.
3. Alcohol Consumption Before Bedtime – A common myth is that alcohol helps with sleep. In reality, alcohol induces drowsiness but leads to frequent nighttime awakenings, disrupting sleep cycles.
4. Heavy Meals Before Bed – In a fast-paced lifestyle, people often skip meals during the day and have large evening meals instead. However, overeating at night can cause acid reflux, discomfort, and digestive issues, making it harder for the body to relax and prepare for sleep.
5. Irregular Sleep Schedule – Going to bed and waking up at different times disrupts the circadian rhythm, making it harder for the body to function properly. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, is essential for feeling well-rested.
6. Uncomfortable Mattress – Sleeping on a worn-out or improperly firm mattress can turn rest into a struggle. An overly soft or too firm mattress may lead to body pain, stiffness, and frequent awakenings, reducing sleep quality.
ILVIDIHA – Your Reliable Partner for Quality Sleep
Since we spend nearly one-third of our lives sleeping, choosing a comfortable sleeping environment is crucial.
A mattress being firm or soft is a matter of personal preference, but it is important that it meets individual needs, aligning with body shape, height, and weight to prevent pain and stiffness.
Manufacturers of sleep products continuously innovate, experimenting with new materials and technologies to enhance sleep quality.
As awareness of healthy living increases, consumers, including those in Bulgaria, are actively seeking higher-quality sleep products.
The ILVIDIHA platform provides mattress retailers with access to a variety of pillows, mattresses, toppers, beds, and accessories from leading manufacturers in the industry.
All products are carefully selected to meet the highest standards of quality, durability, and ergonomics.
Our partners can choose from a wide range of renowned brands such as Blian, TED, Bellanotte, and DORMEO, which are leaders in sleep innovation and technology.
Caring for Sleep Means Caring for Health.
Through its logistics services, ILVIDIHA not only helps its partners achieve business success but also contributes to improving sleep quality across the country.
If you are a mattress retailer and want to be part of this positive change, contact us today!
