According to a recent Gallup poll, a majority of Americans say they would feel better if they could get more sleep. The poll found that 57% of Americans believe they need more rest, while only 42% report getting enough sleep. This is a significant shift from 2013, when 56% said they got enough sleep and 43% said they didn’t.
The poll also revealed that only 26% of respondents get the recommended eight or more hours of sleep per night, while 53% get six to seven hours, and a concerning 20% get five hours or less. Younger women, under the age of 50, were particularly likely to report not getting enough sleep.
Experts point to various reasons for Americans’ lack of sleep, including the prevalence of always-on technology and work hours have made getting enough sleep even more challenging.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have also affected people’s sleep patterns, with some engaging in “revenge bedtime procrastination” by putting off sleep to scroll on social media or binge-watch a T.V. series as a way of coping with stress.
While the importance of sleep for physical, mental, and emotional health has gained more recognition in recent years, many Americans still struggle to prioritize rest. For some, like self-employed event planner Justine Broughal, the demands of work and family life make it difficult to find enough hours in the day for sleep.
“I really treasure being able to spend time with (my children),” Broughal says. “Part of the benefit of being self-employed is that I get a more flexible schedule, but it’s definitely often at the expense of my own care.”
As Americans continue to navigate the challenges of modern life, finding ways to prioritize and protect sleep will be crucial for both individual well-being and the health of society as a whole.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.