Sleep is a fundamental biological process for overall health and well-being, allowing the body and mind to rest and recover. It contributes to daily functioning and long-term health. Understanding national sleep patterns provides insights into the collective health of a population.
Average Sleep Duration in the U.S.
The average sleep duration for adults in the United States often falls below recommended guidelines. In 2020, 33.2% of adults reported getting less than seven hours of sleep per night. A 2023 survey revealed that 53% of Americans slept between six and seven hours nightly, with an additional 20% sleeping five hours or less. This trend represents a decrease from 2016, when the average sleep duration was closer to seven hours and fifty-two minutes. These figures are often derived from self-reported data collected through national health surveys, such as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Influences on American Sleep Habits
Various societal and lifestyle factors contribute to American sleep patterns. Modern work schedules frequently involve long hours, shift work, or demanding commutes, directly impacting consistent sleep routines. Technology use, particularly screen time before bed, can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle. Stressors, including concerns about the economy, political events, and personal anxieties, are also widely reported as impediments to sleep.
Social habits like consuming caffeine or large meals late in the evening can interfere with sleep onset and quality. Caregiving responsibilities often lead to fragmented sleep, especially for women. Environmental factors, such as noise pollution or excessive light, can also prevent restorative sleep.
How U.S. Sleep Compares to Recommendations
The average sleep Americans get often falls short of established health recommendations. Organizations like the National Sleep Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that adults aged 18 to 64 should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. For older adults (65 and above), seven to eight hours is recommended for optimal health.
Despite these guidelines, over one-third of American adults consistently report sleeping less than seven hours per night. This includes approximately 33.2% of adults in 2020 who experienced short sleep duration. In some demographics, such as women, nearly half (49%) reported getting less than the recommended seven hours of sleep.
Sleep Patterns Across Different Groups
Sleep patterns in the U.S. vary considerably across different demographic groups. Age plays a role, with adults aged 25 to 44 years exhibiting a higher prevalence of short sleep duration. While sleep needs generally stabilize in early adulthood, older adults (65 years and older) often report more sleep on average compared to middle-aged adults, though their specific recommendation is slightly less at seven to eight hours.
Regarding gender, women tend to sleep slightly longer than men, often by about eleven minutes, yet they report more frequent sleep disturbances and are more likely to experience insomnia or other sleep-related issues.
Geographically, regions in the Southeast and along the Appalachian Mountains consistently show higher rates of short sleep duration. Conversely, states in the Great Plains, such as Colorado and South Dakota, tend to have a higher percentage of residents meeting healthy sleep duration guidelines. Hawaii notably reports a high percentage of adults sleeping less than seven hours.
Socioeconomic status also influences sleep; lower household income and neighborhood socioeconomic status are linked to a higher likelihood of both short and long sleep durations. Conversely, individuals with higher educational attainment tend to report healthier sleep durations.