If you're not sleeping well, you're not alone, according to a Consumer Reports' survey.

"America is the midst of a sleep epidemic," said Consumer Reports' Tod Marks. "Fifty percent of those surveyed couldn't sleep the night before they participated in our survey."

Respondents found prescription medications the most effective treatment, but 63 percent experienced side effects including; dizziness (13%), memory loss (15%), dependency (24%) and daytime drowsiness (37%).

And in another Consumer Reports' survey of people with chronic sleeping problems, seven percent experienced bizarre side effects. "Sleepwalking, sleep eating, and even sleep driving," Marks said. "Those are rare conditions, but very serious ones."

Sound machines were the most effective non-drug treatment in the survey. Seventy percent who used them found them effective. Consumer Reports tested three on the white-noise setting.

"Their favorite was the Brookstone Tranquil Moments Sound Therapy System," Marks said. "The downside is its price: around $130."

If you're looking for a cheaper way to improve your sleep, Consumer Reports suggest turning on a fan or listening to the air conditioner when you sleep. Both sound similar to sound machines on their white noise setting.

(Copyright © 2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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