Does it feel like you’re the only one lying awake at night? Trust us, you’re not. In fact, the Better Sleep Council’s 2021 State of America’s Sleep study finds a growing percentage of Americans are battling poor sleep. Yet more people than ever report sleeping great too. It seems there’s no in-between when it comes to sleep. And the reasons you’re not getting your zzz’s can be as obvious as they are complex.
For the third year in a row, we surveyed 2,000 Americans to gauge sleep quality and monitor sleep trends. And like so many things in 2020, when this study was fielded, sleep was more polarized than ever.
“The percentage of people we classify as poor sleepers has gone up 6% since our first study in 2019,” says Mary Helen Rogers, vice president of marketing and communications. “At the same time, the number of excellent sleepers has also risen, up 2% in the same time period. There’s hardly anyone in the middle anymore.”
No surprise here, but the COVID-19 pandemic has played a big role in pushing us to sleep extremes. Both direct and indirect effects of the pandemic appear to have a bearing on who’s getting restful sleep and who’s struggling as of late.
Many factors that impact our sleep are beyond our control. But our study finds a number of personal lifestyle choices may define our status as an excellent or poor sleeper too.
“In addition to practicing good sleep hygiene, I encourage people to assess their mattress situation,” says Rogers. “Consciously putting good sleep habits into practice won’t do much good if you retire to a lumpy or sagging mattress from the ‘90s.”
Think you’re an excellent sleeper? Or is sleep just a nightmare for you? See how your experience stacks up with the rest of the nation. Dive into the full results of our 2021 State of America’s Sleep study:
This blog provides general information about sleep and sleep products. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional. This blog should not be construed as medical advice or used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other healthcare professional. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health or the health of others. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or elsewhere on bettersleep.org. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
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