No matter what experts say, folks still aren’t getting enough sleep, and it’s having a major effect on their lives.
A new Value Penguin survey finds:
- 76% of Americans say lack of sleep over the past month has had an effect on their daily life.
- 46% say it’s caused them to have difficulty finishing their work.
- 44% have had problems concentrating.
- 39% say it’s caused irritability with loved ones.
- 33% say it’s made them feel anxious or sad.
- 20% say it made them feel sick.
- 19% of people say they have difficulty falling asleep seven days a week, while only 14% say they never have trouble.
- As for what is keeping folks from getting a good night’s sleep, stress over money is the biggest issue (36%), followed by:
- Stress about the pandemic (29%)
- Stress about my family/relationships (28%)
- Stress about my job (19%)
- The temperature — it's either too hot or too cold (17%)
- Uncomfortable sleeping arrangements (13%)
- Too much noise (12%)
- My kids (11%)
- My pets (11%)
- Too much light in my room (9%)
- My significant other (9%)
And for many, things they do before bed are keeping them from getting the required shuteye they need.
- For example, 42% of Americans drink caffeinated beverages past 3 pm.
- 16% say they don’t stop caffeinated beverages until 8 pm or later.
- 18% don't get any exercise in a typical week, and exercise can help folks fall asleep faster.
Many folks are so desperate for sleep that they’ll use some sort of sleep aid to help.
- In fact, 63% say thy take something to help them sleep.
- 23% take sleeping pills
- 22% tak over the counter sleep aids, like melatonin
- 12% use marijuana or CBD
- 10% drink alcohol
Source: Value Penguin