The Sleep Dilemma in America: Less Sleep, but Growing Awareness
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
In a recent report by Redwood Advisors on the 2023 Outlook of the US Wellness Industry, it has been highlighted that Americans are facing a significant sleep crisis. According to the CDC, approximately one-third of Americans do not get enough sleep, and this problem has been on the rise since the 1980s. In comparison to the 1940s, Americans are sleeping an hour less today, with an average of just 6.8 hours per night. This chronic lack of sleep not only affects short-term performance but is also associated with serious long-term consequences, including depression, anxiety, weight gain, and cognitive impairment. This issue appears to be interconnected with various other health problems, such as rising obesity rates and anxiety levels.
The emergence of social media, streaming, and other internet activities has posed a significant threat to both the quantity and quality of sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that a staggering 93% of Gen Z individuals have stayed up past their usual bedtime to engage with social media. Moreover, the blue light emitted by screens disrupts the circadian rhythm, leading to diminished sleep quality and duration. As a result, achieving sound sleep now requires more thoughtfulness and prioritization than ever before.
However, amidst these sleep woes, there is a silver lining - a growing awareness of the consequences of inadequate sleep. Google searches related to sleep doubled between 2003 and 2016, reflecting a heightened awareness of the importance of sleep among the general population. Likewise, scientific publications on the consequences of short sleep increased tenfold during the same period, indicating growing recognition among researchers. With awareness and need at an all-time high, there are ample opportunities in the sleep industry for innovative solutions.
One such innovation comes in the form of sleep coaching services. Companies like Somn App, backed by Harvard Innovation Labs in 2022, work with users to track their activities and sleep patterns to identify potential sleep disruptors. By nudging users in the right direction and building healthy sleep habits through app blockers and notifications, these services aim to combat the rising tide of sleep deprivation. While they may not have reached the same heights as wellness giants like Noom, it's clear that with the increasing awareness of the importance of sleep, behavioral sleep apps hold significant promise for the future.
The 2023 Outlook of the US Wellness Industry, as reported by Redwood Advisors, sheds light on the alarming sleep crisis in America. Despite the challenges posed by modern lifestyles and technology, the silver lining lies in the growing awareness of the importance of sleep. As the need for solutions becomes increasingly evident, innovative companies are stepping up to offer new ways to combat sleep deprivation and improve sleep quality. Whether through coaching apps or personalized mattress options, the wellness industry is poised to address this critical issue in the coming years.
Sources:
Redwood Advisors US Wellness Industry 2023 Outlook
CDC
Axios
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Sleep Foundation
Penn Medicine
Inc
Forbes
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Jonathan Haidt - Author and Social Psychologist
SBU - Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services
Insider - Insider.com
APA - American Psychological Association
IBIS World - IBISWorld.com
Behavioral Health Business - BehavioralHealthBusiness.com
The Atlantic - TheAtlantic.com
Stat News - StatNews.com
Harvard - Harvard.edu
NIH - National Institutes of Health
Sensor Tower - SensorTower.com
The Verge - TheVerge.com
App Figures - AppFigures.com
Fierce Healthcare - FierceHealthcare.com
Mobi Health News - MobiHealthNews.com
Forbes - Forbes.com
HHS - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
HBR - Harvard Business Review
Deloitte - Deloitte.com
SHRM - Society for Human Resource Management
Conference Board - Conference-Board.org
