The Sleep Crisis of 2024: 78% of Americans Desperately Seek Better Rest
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
How often do you get a good night's sleep? The latest study commissioned by Herbalife confirms what we may have suspected: Americans' sleep situation is far from ideal. A staggering 78% of Americans are trying to improve their sleep in 2024, with nearly half ranking this as their No. 1 priority in life right now. But what is standing in the way of Americans getting better-quality sleep?
"The unfortunate truth is the blue light from TVs, phones, and digital devices unequivocally impairs sleep quality. Even if you can fall asleep, the quality of sleep is reduced, and your brain biology is disrupted," said John Heiss, Ph.D., vice president of Global Product Innovation at Herbalife. "The added problem with blue light is that it disrupts your circadian rhythm, which controls mood, organ function, and metabolism. Blue light may be the culprit if you're experiencing food cravings."
Conducted by One Poll, the study surveyed 5,000 Americans, split evenly by state, about the average quality of their sleep, how many high-quality nights of sleep they achieve each week, and the average hours they sleep on a nightly basis. The survey also examined Americans' sleep habits and the undeniable havoc they can wreak on both sleep quality and overall health.
According to survey findings, respondents in California were found to get the best sleep, with East Coast states dominating the rest of the top five positions. South Carolina and New York came in second and third, respectively, with Maryland and New Jersey tied for fourth and North Carolina taking fifth.
Regardless of where they live, 55% of respondents can't remember the last time they had a "perfect night" of sleep, and 78% can't recall when they last had a "perfect week" of sleep. While "perfect" sleep might be unattainable, less than half of respondents (48%) said yes when asked whether they know how to get a good night's sleep.
In fact, within the two hours before bed, 66% of respondents admit to watching TV or scrolling through their phone for an extended period of time, either on social media (38%) or engaging in other activities (29%), none of which are recommended before bedtime.
Additionally, the survey revealed that 74% of respondents agreed that when they receive poor-quality sleep, their overall health is negatively impacted. Regardless of their age, respondents said poor-quality sleep leads to a lack of energy (67%), feelings of anxiety or depression (41%), and being short-tempered when interacting with loved ones (38%). Getting better-quality sleep can be the key to alleviating these undesirable health and behavior concerns.
"Getting adequate quality sleep is essential for health and well-being. Sleep supports a variety of important functions, including our metabolism and brain health, and can have an impact on certain health conditions like heart disease, obesity, and depression," said Dr. Heiss.
Dr. Heiss recommends several actions individuals can take to enhance their sleep quality, such as maintaining a sleep schedule, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and engaging in regular exercise. By prioritizing sleep and making necessary lifestyle adjustments, Americans can work towards achieving better sleep and better health.
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