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New Brampton Company Commissions Sleep Study

Monday, Nov 12 2007, 02:00

Top "sleep stealers" include stress, temperature and insomnia

A recent poll reveals that when it comes to sweet dreams, Canadians are not getting enough. The new study commissioned by Sunbeam located in Brampton, and conducted by Harris/Decima found that just one in 10 Canadian adults sleeps soundly on a regular basis. For the other 90 per cent of the population, the three biggest "sleep stealers" affecting Canadians includestress (57 per cent), uncomfortable room or bed temperature (51 per cent) andinsomnia (29 per cent).

The survey found that an overwhelming majority of women experience sleepdisturbances more strongly than men, most notably in the three main "sleepstealer" categories: stress (62 versus 53 per cent), uncomfortable temperature(61 versus 43 per cent) and insomnia (35 versus 25 per cent).

"Extended periods of sleep disruption or poor sleep quality can oftenlead to impaired daytime functioning and depressed mood," explainedDr. Eva Libman, Associate Director of the Behavioural Psychotherapy andResearch Unit at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.

"These sleep problems often can be addressed by following good 'sleephygiene' practices, for example: employing a relaxing and consistentpre-bedtime routine, disrupting intrusive thoughts at bedtime by reading orlistening to a book on tape, avoiding going to bed hungry or thirsty, andmaintaining a comfortable bedroom environment," added Dr. Libman.

Regionally, Ontarians reported finding that stress keeps them awake mostfrequently (60 per cent), followed closely by Quebecers (59 per cent), whileMaritimers are the least likely to lose sleep because of stress (50 per cent).Maritimers also are the least likely to suffer from insomnia (25 per cent),while Quebecers are the most likely (34 per cent).

"The fact that so many Canadians are not getting the full benefit of agood night sleep speaks to the size of the market need. Finding strategies tosleep more soundly should be a personal health priority for those who areexperiencing this problem," said Nelson Pascua, Vice President ofHarris/Decima.

"There's no question that quality of sleep affects quality of life. Wespend approximately one-third of our day sleeping, and science has proven agood night's rest is essential to our well-being," said Nadège Kéléchian,

Director of Marketing for Jarden Consumer Solutions. "Sleep is an importantpart of our business, thus we hope our work with this study will encourageCanadians to investigate how to get a better night's sleep."

The study identified other common sleep disturbances for Canadiansincluding noises from outside (27 per cent), being awakened by a partner(26 per cent), uncomfortable beds (11 per cent), and being awakened bychildren (10 per cent).

"Another interesting survey finding was that 40 per cent of Canadianswere not aware that by turning down their thermostats on cooler nights, andturning on a warming blanket or mattress pad, they consume less energy andsave on their heating bills. In our environmentally-conscious society, it's asimple, easy thing we can do, and fits into our busy lives," added Kéléchian.

About Sunbeam Products, Inc.

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Since the introduction of its first electric appliance in 1910, theSunbeam(R) brand has grown to a position of leadership in the consumer goodsindustry, and offers families practical, affordable solutions for everydayliving. For over 50 years, Sunbeam has been the industry leader in warmingproducts, blending technology, comfort, performance and style. The company'sultimate vision is to offer a wide range of choices that truly redefine howthe world sleeps. Sunbeam Corporation (Canada) Limited, the Canadian sales,marketing and distribution office is located in Brampton, Ontario. For moreinformation on Sunbeam(R) products, please visit www.sunbeam.com.

About Jarden Consumer Solutions

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Jarden Consumer Solutions (JCS), a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation(NYSE:JAH), is a leading consumer products company that designs, manufacturesand markets, nationally and internationally, a diverse portfolio of consumerproducts under such world-class brands as Bionaire(R), Crock-Pot(R),FoodSaver(R), Health o meter(R), Holmes(R), Mr. Coffee(R), Oster(R),Patton(R), Rival(R), Seal-a-Meal(R), Sunbeam(R) and VillaWare(R). JCS isheadquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, and employs more than 13,000 peopleworldwide. JCS can be found on the Web at www.jardencs.com.

About the poll: This poll was conducted by Harris/Decima between August 2 and 7, 2007 via an online panel (eVox) among a sample of 745 adult Canadians. The margin of error is +/- 3.56 per cent.

For further information: for an interview with Dr. Eva Libman, or tospeak with a representative from Sunbeam, please contact: Communications MECA:Julie Lepsetz, (514) 288-8500 x233, jlepsetz@meca.ca; Suzanne Gold, (416)425-9143 x230, sgold@meca.ca