Herbie Murray
Sleep deprivation is a growing problem in the United States, with stress, technology, and work culture contributing to a lack of sleep for many Americans. While Americans are sleeping more than ever since the pandemic, with an average increase of 10 minutes of sleep per day between 2019 and 2022, this trend is not evenly distributed across the population. Sleep deprivation is linked to serious health issues, and certain professions, such as police, healthcare, and transportation, are particularly affected. With work being the main activity that Americans sacrifice sleep for, it's no surprise that many are napping during work hours to catch up on lost sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Americans who get less than 7 hours of sleep a night | 35.6% in 2018 |
| Number of Americans who get less than 6 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period | 30% |
| Number of Americans who nap during work hours at least a few times a year | 46% |
| Number of Americans who nap during work hours on a weekly basis | 33% |
| Number of Americans who struggle with some kind of sleep disorder | More than 1 in 7 |
| Average amount of extra sleep gained by Americans between 2019 and 2022 | 10 minutes |
| Number of Americans who say they would benefit from getting more sleep | 57% |
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What You'll Learn
- Americans are getting less sleep due to stress and constant connectivity
- Sleep deprivation is rising, with serious health consequences
- Work is the main activity that Americans exchange for sleep
- Americans are napping during work hours to catch up on sleep
- Remote work has led to Americans waking up later
Americans are getting less sleep due to stress and constant connectivity
The number of working Americans getting less than 7 hours of sleep a night is on the rise, with this issue particularly affecting those in professions such as healthcare, police, and transportation. In a study by Ball State University, researchers found that the prevalence of inadequate sleep (defined as 7 hours or less) increased from 30.9% in 2010 to 35.6% in 2018. Stress is a significant factor in sleep deprivation, especially for those in high-pressure jobs. For example, doctors are often on call, facing a constant connection to work, which can make it challenging to detach from work-related stress.
The culture of constant connectivity, fueled by technology and smartphones, also plays a role in sleep deprivation. The use of screen-based media has been linked to poor sleep, and many Americans struggle with "sleeplessness," spending an average of 70 minutes per day trying to fall asleep over the past few years. This issue is particularly concerning for teenagers, with 91% of them owning a smartphone.
Additionally, the pressure to keep up with the accelerating pace of modern life contributes to stress and sleep loss. Americans may feel the need to constantly "accomplish" and "do more," leading to a sense of acceleration that interferes with their sleep. This cultural perception of sleep as a flexible commodity that can be sacrificed for other activities further exacerbates the problem.
The consequences of sleep deprivation can be severe, with sleepless individuals facing increased risks of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and mental health issues. While some companies have introduced nap rooms and sleep pods, social perceptions of napping at work as a sign of laziness may deter employees from utilizing these spaces. Overall, the interplay between stress, constant connectivity, and the demands of modern life contributes to the growing issue of Americans getting less sleep.
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Sleep deprivation is rising, with serious health consequences
Sleep deprivation is a growing problem in the United States, with serious health consequences. While Americans are sleeping more than ever since the pandemic, with an average gain of 10 minutes of sleep per day between 2019 and 2022, this trend is not evenly distributed across the population. Data suggests that work is the main activity that people sacrifice sleep for, with those working multiple jobs 61% more likely to report sleeping 6 hours or less on weekdays. This chronic partial sleep deprivation has been linked to various physical and mental health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, and mental health problems such as anxiety and unstable moods.
The number of working Americans getting less than seven hours of sleep a night is on the rise, with professions such as healthcare, police, and transportation being the hardest hit. In a 2019 study, researchers from Ball State University analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey and found that the prevalence of inadequate sleep (defined as seven hours or less) increased from 30.9% in 2010 to 35.6% in 2018. The situation is even more dire for police officers and healthcare workers, with around half of respondents in these professions reporting less than seven hours of sleep.
Stress is a significant contributor to sleep deprivation, and modern life, with its constant connectivity and accelerating pace, only exacerbates the problem. The advent of smartphones and the increasing use of screen-based media have been linked to poor sleep, especially in teenagers. Additionally, the pressure to be constantly connected and responsive can make it challenging for people to detach from work and other stressors, further disrupting their sleep.
The cultural perception of sleep as a flexible commodity that can be sacrificed for other activities also plays a role in sleep deprivation. While some companies have introduced nap rooms and sleep pods, there is still a concern that managers might view employees who use these facilities as lazy. Furthermore, the availability of sleep-tracking devices and apps can lead to an excessive focus on sleep data, causing anxiety and further disrupting sleep.
The consequences of sleep deprivation extend beyond health risks. Sleep-deprived individuals may also experience reduced productivity and increased errors and accidents in their daily lives. With millions of Americans not getting enough sleep, the cumulative neurobehavioral deficits and sleepiness-related incidents could have far-reaching societal impacts.
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Work is the main activity that Americans exchange for sleep
Americans are increasingly struggling with sleep deprivation, with work being the primary activity that they exchange for sleep. A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health and daytime alertness. However, CDC data reveals that 30% of employed US adults sleep 6 hours or less in a 24-hour period. This trend is particularly prominent among adults working multiple jobs, who are 61% more likely to sleep 6 hours or less on weekdays. The rise in remote work has also contributed to later wake-up times, with people waking up 35 minutes later on work-from-home days compared to on-site days.
The culture of constant connectivity and the rise of smartphones have been significant contributors to sleep deprivation. The pressure to stay connected and the easy access to technology often result in Americans devoting less time to sleep. Additionally, the stress of modern life and the acceleration of daily demands have taken a toll on sleep quality and duration. This is further exacerbated by the use of sleep-tracking devices, which can cause anxiety and fixation on sleep patterns, leading to insomnia.
The consequences of sleep deprivation can be severe, with sleepless individuals facing increased risks of obesity, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, and mental health issues such as anxiety and unstable moods. To combat this, experts recommend lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise, and meditation. Some companies have also embraced the idea of napping during work hours, with companies like Zappos offering nap rooms and Google providing sleep pods for staffers.
While Americans are sleeping more than ever due to factors such as remote work, the increase in sleep duration does not necessarily equate to improved sleep quality. Time-use data indicates that many Americans struggle with "sleeplessness," spending an average of 70 minutes per day trying to fall asleep over the past few years. Additionally, the interpretation of sleep data can be complex, as activities like dozing off or falling asleep may be included in sleep duration calculations, potentially overestimating actual sleep time.
In conclusion, work remains the primary activity that Americans exchange for sleep, with the demanding nature of modern life and technology contributing to widespread sleep deprivation. The impact of this deprivation on physical and mental health underscores the importance of addressing this issue through lifestyle changes, flexible work arrangements, and a cultural shift that values sleep as essential for overall well-being.
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Americans are napping during work hours to catch up on sleep
Sleep deprivation has been a rising problem for Americans since the mid-1980s. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health and daytime alertness. However, CDC data shows that 30% of employed U.S. adults sleep 6 hours or less in a 24-hour period. This lack of sleep puts people at risk for severe physical and mental health problems, including obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, anxiety, unstable moods, and thoughts of suicide.
The main reason for this sleep loss is work, with people who sleep 6 hours or less working 1.55 more hours on weekdays and 1.86 more hours on weekends or holidays. The prevalence of inadequate sleep, defined as 7 hours or less, increased from 30.9% in 2010 to 35.6% in 2018, with the problem being worse for police officers, healthcare workers, and transportation workers such as truck drivers. Stress and constant connectivity due to technology are also significant factors contributing to sleep deprivation.
As a result of this sleep loss, it is not uncommon for Americans to nap during work hours to catch up on sleep. A survey by Sleep Doctor found that nearly half (46%) of U.S. workers snooze during work hours at least a few times a year, and 1 in 3 nap on the job on a weekly basis. Remote workers are more likely to take naps during the workday, and younger and male workers are also more prone to napping. The most common locations for in-person workers to nap are their cars (50%), followed by their desks (33%), and company-designated napping places (20%).
While napping on the job may be surprising, multiple studies have extolled the benefits of napping, including enhanced memory and focus. Some companies are even providing nap rooms and sleep pods for their employees, recognizing the benefits of napping. However, there is still a stigma associated with napping at work, with many workers concerned that their managers might think they are lazy.
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Remote work has led to Americans waking up later
Remote work has become an integral part of American professional life, with the pandemic normalizing working from home for millions. As a result, Americans' sleep patterns have been affected, and many are waking up later than they did before the pandemic.
The pandemic era saw a looser workday, with employees often working outside of traditional hours to accommodate home or family needs. This flexibility meant that some Americans started work earlier in the day, while others worked late into the night. This trend has contributed to a rise in sleep deprivation, with 30% of employed U.S. adults sleeping six hours or less in a 24-hour period. This number is even higher for those with multiple jobs, who are 61% more likely to sleep six hours or less on weekdays.
The rise of remote work has also blurred the boundaries between work and home life, with many Americans feeling they need to be reachable at all times. The constant connectivity enabled by technology has made it challenging for some to detach from work, leading to increased stress and emotional exhaustion. This always-on work culture has contributed to sleep loss, as Americans find it difficult to unwind and fall asleep at a reasonable hour.
Additionally, the flexibility of remote work has allowed some Americans to wake up later than they would if they had to commute to an office. This may be especially true for those who work for companies in different time zones, as they can start their workday later in the day. However, this flexibility can also lead to procrastination and a lack of structure for some individuals.
While some companies, like Amazon, Dell, and Walmart, have ended their remote work policies, many Americans are reluctant to give up the flexibility that remote work provides. More than 25% of paid workdays in the U.S. were done from home in 2024, and companies with remote and hybrid policies intend to maintain them. This suggests that remote work is here to stay, and Americans will continue to enjoy the benefits of waking up later and working from home.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no clear data on how many Americans are late for work due to oversleeping. However, sleep deprivation is a rising issue in the US, with 57% of Americans saying they need more sleep.
There are several factors contributing to sleep deprivation in Americans. These include stress, the constant connectivity of modern life, technology and smartphone usage, and the cultural perception of sleep as a flexible commodity.
Sleep deprivation can lead to severe physical and mental health issues. These include obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, anxiety, unstable moods, and even thoughts of suicide.
Sleep deprivation can impact productivity and daytime alertness, leading to errors and accidents at work. It can also result in Americans being late for work or napping during work hours.
To combat sleep deprivation, individuals can make lifestyle changes such as improving their diet, exercising, and practising meditation. Additionally, employers can introduce flexible work start times and provide designated napping areas in the workplace.
