The average email user checks mail about five times a day, and 59 percent of those with portable devices are using them to check email whenever a new message arrives. Forty-three percent of email users with portable devices keep the device close by even while they are sleeping to listen for incoming mail.

Fifteen percent of Americans say they are "addicted to email" and many plan their vacations with email access in mind. Around four in ten email users say it is "very" or "somewhat" important to think about email accessibility when planning a vacation and 83 percent say they check their email once a day while on vacation.

Fifty-nine percent of people emailing from portable devices are checking email in bed, 53 percent in the bathroom, 37 percent are checking email while driving and 12 percent said they check email in church.

"Email is becoming more and more accessible, and people continue to take advantage of that," said Regina Lewis, AOL Online Consumer Advisor.

"As the survey data shows, portable devices – like email itself – are becoming more prevalent and easier to use. Because you can access email services like AOL from virtually anywhere and on almost any wireless device, it is easier to stay connected to work, home, family and friends through email — and instant messaging as well — than any other form of communication."

The AOL survey was based on interviews done online with 4,025 Americans age 13 and over.