Sleep is more than just a nightly routine; it’s a cornerstone of good health and well-being at every stage of life. Experts suggest that adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Falling short of this can lead to more than just feeling tired—adults who consistently get less than 7 hours of sleep are at a higher risk for a range of health problems compared to those who rest for longer.

For children and teens, sleep is even more crucial, as it supports their growth and development. The long-term effects of insufficient sleep can be serious, increasing the likelihood of chronic health issues, and impacting everything from your mood to your ability to learn, work, and interact with others.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of sleep, but doing so comes with significant consequences. While the complexities of sleep are vast, taking a closer look at sleep statistics in the U.S. can offer valuable insights into the state of sleep health and the widespread nature of sleep issues today.

General Sleep Health of Teens

• 8 out of 10 teenagers don’t get enough sleep. The United States is currently facing a significant mental health crisis. As concerns about mental health issues among teens grow, the 2024 National Sleep Foundation (NSF) Poll highlights a strong link between sleep health and depressive symptoms. (1)
• Over 50% of teens rate their sleep satisfaction as a ‘D’ or worse. One in four teens reported being somewhat or very dissatisfied with their overall sleep. Those who were unhappy with their sleep were over five times more likely to experience moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms (27%) compared to teens who were satisfied with their sleep (5%). (1)
• Teenagers who begin school before 8:30 a.m. exhibit higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to those who start school later. Most teens report that their school or work schedules and related demands are the primary factors preventing them from getting the sleep they need to stay alert. (1)

How Much We Sleep 

• The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recommends that teens aged 14 to 17 should get 8-10 hours of sleep each night, while teens aged 13 should aim for 9-11 hours of sleep to support their health and well-being. (1)
• Fewer than 2 in 10 teens reported getting the recommended amount of sleep on both school nights and weekends. (1)

The Stages of Our Sleep

• Sleep is generally divided into two main categories: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM (NREM) sleep. Most adults transition from a drowsy state into NREM sleep as they fall asleep. (2)
• NREM sleep itself is broken down into three sub-stages: stage N1, stage N2, and stage N3. Previously, NREM sleep was classified into four stages, but in current guidelines, NREM stages 3 and 4 have been combined into a single stage known as NREM stage 3. (2)
• Sleep stages occur in cycles that last between 90 and 120 minutes each. During a typical night, most people experience four to five of these cycles. Throughout the night, the distribution of sleep stages shifts, with a higher percentage of NREM sleep occurring in the first half of the night, and a greater proportion of REM sleep in the second half. (2)

Sleep’s Impact on U.S. Adults by Gender (2022)

• Half of Americans believe that sleep significantly impacts their mood. In 2022, approximately 56% of adult females in the U.S. reported that sleep significantly impacted their mood, compared to around 42% of adult males. (3)

Percentage of U.S. Adults Prioritizing Good Sleep in 2022, by Gender

Getting enough sleep can help you in several important ways. It can boost your immune system, making you less likely to get sick. It also helps you maintain a healthy weight and reduces stress, which can improve your mood. Good sleep supports heart health and helps regulate your metabolism. It lowers your risk of developing chronic conditions and reduces the chances of motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, quality sleep enhances your focus and memory, helping you perform daily activities more effectively.

• Over half of Americans (55%) consider getting a good night’s sleep to be a “major priority” on an average weekday. Women are more likely than men to prioritize sleep, with 61% of women considering it a major priority compared to 48% of men. Women also tend to be more concerned about their sleep quality. (3)

Quality of Last Night’s Sleep Among U.S. Adults in 2022

Quality sleep goes beyond simply getting enough hours of rest—it’s about how well you sleep. True quality sleep is characterized by being uninterrupted and refreshing, meaning you wake up feeling rested and rejuvenated.

• One in three American adults (33%), or approximately 84 million people, described their sleep the previous night as “fair” or “poor.” Younger adults in the U.S. are more likely to report lower levels of high-quality sleep compared to their older counterparts. Nearly four in ten adults under the age of 50 described their sleep from the previous night as “fair” or “poor,” indicating a significant trend of sleep dissatisfaction among this age group. (3)
• Meanwhile, 35% of Americans rated their sleep as “good,” and the remaining 32% reported having “very good” or “excellent” sleep. This trend is consistent across various demographic groups, including gender, racial and ethnic identity, and marital status. (3)

Sleep Quality over the Past Month in U.S. Adults by Duration (2022)

Signs of poor sleep quality include having difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, and feeling tired or sleepy even after what should have been enough sleep.

• As of 2022, about 30% of U.S. adults aged 18 and older who slept 6 to less than 7 hours per day rated their sleep quality over the past month as fair or poor. (3)
• People who typically sleep 4 to less than 5 hours are six times more likely to have a poor night’s sleep compared to those who sleep 8 to less than 9 hours. (3)

Sleep Issues Reported by U.S. Adults in 2022, by Age

• When asked about their sleep, less than half of Americans (46%) reported having no trouble falling or staying asleep. The majority, however, experienced sleep difficulties: 28% had trouble staying asleep, 15% struggled to fall asleep, and 11% faced both issues. (3)
• Age plays a significant role in sleep difficulties, with six in ten adults aged 18 to 29 reporting trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. As people age, this figure tends to decline, with about half of those aged 50 and older experiencing similar sleep issues. This trend highlights how sleep challenges are more prevalent among younger adults compared to older adults. (3)
• Men are more likely than women to report having no sleep issues (51% vs. 41%), while women are slightly more likely than men to experience difficulty falling asleep (17% vs. 12%). (3)

U.S. Adults with Trouble Staying Asleep in 2020, by Age

• In 2020, 17.8% of adults reported trouble staying asleep most days or every day in the past 30 days. Signs of good sleep quality include falling asleep quickly, typically within 15 to 20 minutes of going to bed, and staying asleep throughout the night without frequent awakenings or prolonged periods of wakefulness. (4)
• Younger adults (aged 18–44) were less likely to experience trouble staying asleep (13.8%) compared to those aged 45–64 (21.8%) and adults 65 and older (20.3%). (4)

• Newborns (0–3 months) require the most sleep, with a recommended daily total of 14–17 hours. Newborn sleep is crucial for several key developmental processes. It plays a significant role in memory consolidation, helping babies process and retain new information. Additionally, sleep aids in sensory processing, allowing newborns to better understand and interact with their environment. (5)
• Infants (4–12 months) need 12–16 hours of sleep each day, including naps. The amount of sleep you need evolves as you age. (5)
• Adults (18–60 years) should aim for 7 or more hours of sleep daily, while older adults (65 years and older) require 7–8 hours. (5)
• Teenagers (13–17 years) are advised to get 8–10 hours of sleep each night. Teenagers are experiencing a significant phase of brain development. Sleep is crucial during this time as it supports their growing brains and bodies. It also plays a key role in protecting them from serious issues like depression or substance abuse, which can be more prevalent during adolescence. (5)

Sleep Problem Frequency Among U.S. Veterans and Service Members in the Wounded Warrior Project (2021)

• 68.9% of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) warriors reported waking up at night three or more times per week, making it the most common disturbance affecting sleep quality. Sleep problems are the most commonly self-reported health issue, with 78% of warriors indicating they experience difficulties related to sleep. (6)
• Compared to the general U.S. population, Wounded Warrior Project warriors are more than twice as likely to get less than seven hours of sleep per night. This indicates a significant disparity in sleep duration, highlighting the sleep challenges faced by WWP warriors, which may contribute to broader health issues within this group. (6)
• 53.9% of WWP warriors experienced difficulty falling asleep within 30 minutes three or more times per week. A staggering 90.3% of WWP warriors have screened as having poor sleep quality. (6)
• 78.5% of WWP warriors felt cold none or less than one time per week, indicating that cold temperatures were the least frequent disturbance contributing to poor sleep quality. (6)

Percentage of U.S. Adults Concerned About Falling Asleep (2022)

• 40% of all adults report that they do not worry at all about their ability to fall asleep. Given the critical role that high-quality sleep plays in maintaining mental well-being, it’s not surprising that many Americans are concerned about their sleep. Those who worry a lot about falling asleep are over three times more likely to experience poor sleep compared to those who don’t worry at all. (3)
• 9% of all adults worry a lot about their ability to fall asleep. This anxiety about sleep itself can create a vicious cycle, where the fear of not sleeping well actually contributes to poor sleep quality, further impacting mental and physical health. (3)

Sleep Difficulties Among U.S. College Students

According to the latest sleep research, the top reasons for sleep deprivation among college students and young adults include several lifestyle factors. One major contributor is technology use—specifically, the blue light emitted from screens, which blocks the release of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Additionally, spending less time in natural light disrupts the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, further complicating sleep patterns. Reduced physical activity is another factor, as regular exercise plays a crucial role in promoting better sleep quality.

• A 2023 survey revealed that approximately 7.6% of U.S. college students experienced extreme difficulty falling asleep every night over the past week. (7)
• 31.1% of U.S. college students reported having no difficulty falling asleep within the past 7 days as of fall 2023. (7)

Fatigue Among U.S. College Students

The mental strain and various stressors associated with college life, such as heavy academic loads, social pressures, and future career concerns, often lead to students neglecting their basic needs, including proper eating and sleeping habits. This combination frequently results in significant fatigue, making it difficult for students to stay alert and focused throughout their daily activities.

• A 2023 survey found that approximately 24% of U.S. college students felt tired or sleepy every day over the past week. (7)

U.S. Adult Sleep Issues by Gender, Age, And Race/Hispanic Origin

• In 2020, approximately 17% of women in the U.S. reported difficulty falling asleep most or every day over the past 30 days, compared to 11.7% of men. Women (20.7%) are also more likely than men (14.7%) to have trouble staying asleep. (4)
• In 2020, 14.5% of adults reported having trouble falling asleep most or every day in the past 30 days. (4)
• The percentage of adults experiencing trouble falling asleep decreased with age, dropping from 15.5% among those aged 18–44 to 12.1% among those aged 65 and older. As adults age, they tend to have fewer issues with falling asleep but are more likely to experience difficulties staying asleep. (4)
• Non-Hispanic Asian adults (8.1%) were less likely to have trouble falling asleep compared to non-Hispanic Black (13.7%), Hispanic (14.3%), and non-Hispanic White (15.1%) adults. Sleep difficulties vary across different racial and ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic Asian adults report having fewer issues with both falling and staying asleep compared to other groups. In contrast, non-Hispanic White adults are more likely to experience trouble staying asleep. (4)

U.S. Sleep Issues by Income

• In 2020, the percentage of adults with frequent sleep troubles decreased as family income increased, from 21.9% for those below 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) to 12.6% for those at or above 200% of FPL. (4)

Children and Sleep Statistics

U.S. Children’s Bedtime by Sociodemographic Characteristics 

• Boys (84.7%) were just as likely as girls (84.2%) to have a regular bedtime most days or every day during a typical school week. (8)
• Children aged 12–17 years (78.9%) were less likely to have a regular bedtime most or every day compared to those aged 5–11 years (89.6%). (8)
• Non-Hispanic Black (77.3%) and Hispanic children (83.0%) had lower regular bedtime rates than non-Hispanic White (86.9%) and Asian (88.5%) children. (8)

Sleep and Depressive Symptoms

1. Sleep and Depression in Older Adults

• 41% of adults aged 40-plus reported no issues with falling or staying asleep over the past two weeks, while 17% experienced this difficulty nearly every day. (9)
• 51% of adults aged 40-plus did not lose interest or pleasure in activities, but 12% struggled with this nearly every day. (9)

2. 2024 U.S. Depression and Sleep Satisfaction

• Sixty-eight percent of teens who were dissatisfied with their sleep reported experiencing at least mild depressive symptoms, in contrast to just 26 percent of teens who were satisfied with their sleep. This stark difference underscores the strong connection between sleep quality and mental health in adolescents. (1)

• 74% of individuals with minimal depressive symptoms reported being satisfied with their sleep, compared to 32% who were dissatisfied. (1) .
• 41% of those with mild depressive symptoms were dissatisfied with their sleep, while 21% felt satisfied. (1)

Sleep Aids

• Over half of U.S. adults report using some form of sleep aid. There is a notable connection between the use of sleep aids and the quality of sleep among Americans. Those who report poorer sleep quality are slightly more likely to use sleep aids compared to those who have experienced “excellent” or “very good” sleep over the past 30 days. (3)

• The most commonly used aids include open windows/air conditioning (21%), noise machines (12%), and non-medicinal sleep aids like melatonin (11%). (3)
• Additionally, around 8% of Americans report using prescription medication to aid their sleep. (3)

1. U.S. Adults’ Sleep Medication Usage in 2020

Sleep medications are commonly used to treat chronic insomnia, a sleep disorder where individuals struggle to fall or stay asleep. However, insufficient sleep is not just about feeling tired; it’s linked to several serious health issues. These include mental and physical health outcomes such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression, and an increased risk of injury.

• In 2020, 6.3% of adults took sleep medicine daily over the last 30 days, 2.1% took it most days, 10.0% took it occasionally, and 81.6% never used sleep medication. (10)

2. U.S. Sleep Medication by Demographics

• In 2020, the use of sleep medication increased with age: 5.6% among those aged 18–44, 10.1% among those aged 45–64, and 11.9% among those aged 65 and older. (10)
• For women, sleep medication use was lower among those aged 18–44 (6.5%) compared to those aged 45–64 (13.0%) and 65 and older (13.5%). (10)

How Frequently do we Snore?

Snoring is primarily caused by a partial blockage in the upper airway, which leads to the vibration of the soft palate and other tissues in the throat, nose, and mouth. The intensity of snoring can vary depending on several factors, including medical conditions, nasal congestion, or restricted airways. Other contributors include body weight, alcohol consumption, and sleep habits, such as sleeping position and timing.

• 52% of Americans report being affected by snoring. (11)
• 21% of people admit to snoring. (11)
• 14% of people confess to snoring and also accuse their partner of snoring. (11)

1. U.S. Snoring Rates by Age

• 29% of adults aged 55-64 snore and do not have a partner who snores. (11)
• 61% of adults aged 18-24 do not snore and do not have a partner who snores. (11)
• 18% of adults aged 45-54 snore, and their partner also snores. (11)

2. U.S. Snoring Rates by Region

• 54% of people in the Midwest and 54% in the West reported that neither they nor their partner snore. (11)
• In the United States, it was revealed that about 16% of Southern state residents reported both they and their partner snoring. (11)

Final Thought

The prevalence of sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness, particularly among high school students and adults, can cause chronic sleep problems. Short sleep duration and various sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing, are increasingly linked to a range of serious health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have both highlighted the importance of recognizing and addressing these sleep-related issues to improve overall public health.

As awareness grows around the impact of sleep disorders on long-term health, it’s crucial that we take steps to mitigate the risks associated with chronic sleep problems. Organizations like the Academy of Sleep Medicine continue to advocate for better understanding and treatment of sleep disorders, emphasizing the need for early intervention and education, especially among high-risk groups like high school students. By prioritizing sleep health and addressing sleep disturbances, we can work towards a healthier future, reducing the burden of disease and improving quality of life across all age groups.