CDC Finds Over 30% of U.S. Adults Get Insufficient Sleep
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A new CDC data brief shows 30.5% of U.S. adults surveyed in 2024 are sleeping less than the recommended seven hours per night. The survey also found significant portions of the population struggle to fall or stay asleep, and many use sleep aids nightly.
Facts First
- 30.5% of surveyed U.S. adults in 2024 are sleeping less than seven hours nightly
- Approximately 15% of people have trouble falling asleep
- Approximately 18% of people struggle to stay asleep
- Approximately 13% of U.S. adults use sleep aids nightly
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is considered the gold standard for sleep anxiety
What Happened
A data brief published by the CDC finds that 30.5% of U.S. adults are getting less than the recommended amount of sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine states adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night. The survey also found that approximately 15% of people have trouble falling asleep and approximately 18% struggle to stay asleep. A separate publication finds that approximately 13% of U.S. adults use sleep aids nightly, including prescription medications, over-the-counter supplements, and marijuana or cannabidiol products.
Why this Matters to You
If you sleep less than seven hours, you may be at increased risk for health problems linked to insufficient sleep. Struggling to fall or stay asleep could affect your daily energy, mood, and concentration. The widespread use of sleep aids suggests many people are seeking solutions, which may lead you to consider options like cognitive behavioral therapy, which is considered the gold standard for calming sleep anxiety.
What's Next
You could explore recommended strategies to improve sleep, such as lowering light to trigger melatonin release or scheduling a daily 'worry time' to help the brain relax at night. The persistence of this public health issue suggests health authorities may continue to monitor sleep trends and promote awareness of healthy sleep practices.