Americans aren't sleeping enough. Here's what could help
Many Americans are not getting the recommended seven hours of sleep per night, with 30.5% of adults falling short according to a 2024 CDC survey. Insufficient sleep is linked to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems, and habits like late-night screen use contribute to the problem. Experts recommend lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medical consultation to improve sleep quality.
- ▪30.5% of U.S. adults surveyed in 2024 reported getting less than seven hours of sleep per night.
- ▪Not getting enough sleep is associated with cardiometabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity.
- ▪Around 15% of people have trouble falling asleep, and approximately 18% struggle to stay asleep.
- ▪About 13% of U.S. adults use sleep aids nightly, including prescription drugs and supplements.
- ▪Experts recommend morning sunlight, physical activity, and reduced afternoon caffeine to support better sleep.
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Americans aren't sleeping enough. Here's what could help May 2, 20266:30 AM ET Pien Huang Elenathewise/iStockphoto/Getty Images Adults should be getting at least seven hours of sleep each night, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. "Below that, there's clear evidence that you're going to feel lethargic during the day," says James Rowley, a pulmonologist and the program director of the Sleep Medicine Fellowship at Rush University Medical Center, as well as a past president of the AASM board of directors. Rowley also says not getting enough sleep is linked with cardiometabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity, as well as cardiovascular problems. But many in the U.S. are not sleeping enough.
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