One-third of adults fail to get sufficient sleep

A recent study published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report reveals that over one-third of American adults regularly fail to get adequate sleep. This marks the first study to provide self-reported data on healthy sleep duration—defined as seven or more hours per night—for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommend at least seven hours of nightly sleep for adults aged 18–60 to support optimal health and well-being. Falling short of this benchmark has been linked to a higher risk of chronic health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and mental health challenges.

“As a nation, we are not prioritizing sleep,” noted Dr. Wayne Giles, director of CDC’s Division of Population Health. He suggests adopting habits such as maintaining consistent sleep and wake times and keeping electronics out of the bedroom to improve sleep quality and overall health.
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The prevalence of adequate sleep duration differs based on factors such as geography, race/ethnicity, employment status, and marital status.

To analyze these patterns, CDC researchers examined data from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a telephone survey conducted in partnership with state health departments and the CDC. This state-based survey utilized random-digit dialing to gather insights.

Key Findings:

• The percentage of individuals achieving sufficient sleep was notably lower among Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (54%), non-Hispanic Blacks (54%), multiracial non-Hispanics (54%), and American Indians/Alaska Natives (60%) compared to non-Hispanic Whites (67%), Hispanics (66%), and Asians (63%).
• Across the U.S., healthy sleep duration rates varied by state, ranging from a low of 56% in Hawaii to a high of 72% in South Dakota.
• Adults in the southeastern U.S. and Appalachian regions reported lower sleep duration rates, mirroring regional trends of higher obesity and chronic illness rates identified in prior studies.
• Employment status played a significant role in sleep patterns: individuals unable to work (51%) or unemployed (60%) reported lower healthy sleep rates than those who were employed (65%). College-educated individuals or those with advanced degrees showed the highest prevalence of sufficient sleep (72%).
• Marital status also influenced sleep habits: married adults (67%) reported healthier sleep patterns compared to those never married (62%) or those divorced, widowed, or separated (56%).

Healthy Sleep Tips:

• Healthcare Providers: Regularly assess sleep patterns during check-ups and address issues such as snoring or daytime fatigue. Educate patients on the vital connection between sleep and overall health.
• Individuals: Prioritize getting enough rest by adopting consistent and healthy sleep habits.
• Employers: Adjust work schedules to support employees’ ability to rest adequately and provide educational resources for shift workers to improve their sleep quality.