The past decade has witnessed a growing global emphasis on maintaining physical health and practicing self-care. One crucial aspect of overall well-being is getting quality sleep, which plays a vital role in our physical and mental health. Inadequate sleep can lead to chronic health issues and impact various areas of life, including work, school, and relationships. To gain insights into the sleep habits, quality, and product preferences of Americans, we conducted a comprehensive survey in 2023.
Sleep Quality and Habits Comparison: 2022 vs. 2023
Consistency in bedtime routines remains a key factor in achieving quality sleep. In our survey, we found that nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents reported having a regular bedtime routine. This percentage is consistent with the previous year’s findings, where 72% of respondents stated the same. However, despite positive bedtime routines, current events continue to affect sleep negatively. Americans are troubled by issues such as rising living costs, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, gun violence, climate change, and the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Notably, this list is nearly identical to that of 2022, with the exception of the 2024 presidential election, which has now entered the forefront of concerns.
Common Sleep Habits and Their Impact
Our survey delved into the various sleep habits that significantly influence the quality of sleep. In 2023, respondents reported that their worst sleep habits include inconsistent bedtime schedules, screen time in bed, late-night eating, falling asleep with the television on, and pulling all-nighters. Interestingly, a high percentage of both adults and children have at least one electronic device in their bedrooms (89% of adults and 75% of children). This trend aligns with last year’s findings, with the notable exception of more respondents reporting daytime napping, likely due to companies mandating returns to the office.
Challenges in Achieving Restful Sleep
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults between the ages of 18 and 64 get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. However, our survey revealed that one in five respondents (21%) reported rarely or never waking up feeling well rested, consistent with the previous year.
Sleep Behaviors and Disorders in 2023
In 2023, nearly half (43%) of survey respondents reported experiencing insomnia, a sleep disorder that impacts falling asleep, staying asleep, and the quality of restorative sleep. A quarter of those surveyed reported experiencing restless legs syndrome, a chronic movement disorder, and almost one in five people (17%) stated they had dealt with sleep apnea. Both restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea can contribute to poor-quality sleep.
Evolving Sleep Trends
The survey also uncovered evolving sleep trends. While two-thirds (67%) of respondents prefer sharing a bed with their partner, one in three reported sleeping separately from their partners. This “sleep divorce” trend, where couples choose separate beds, has gained popularity. It caters to differing sleep preferences, such as temperature and noise levels, ultimately leading to better-quality sleep and improved communication and intimacy.
Another emerging trend is “Scandinavian sleeping,” where couples share one bed but use individual-size duvets. This approach allows partners to select comforters that match their sleep preferences and reduce sleep disruptions.
Sleep Product Preferences
The quality of a mattress plays a pivotal role in achieving a good night’s sleep. Despite recommendations that most mattresses last about seven years, one-third of respondents reported using their last mattress for nine or more years. This trend has increased compared to the previous year.
Pillows, bedding, and special blankets also play essential roles in sleep quality. Temperature considerations are significant, with respondents preferring different materials based on climate or season. Weighted blankets have gained popularity for their ability to reduce anxiety and stress.
Sound-Based Sleep Aids
More than one in three (39%) respondents have turned to white noise to enhance sleep quality, while 10% have tried brown noise. These sound-based sleep aids offer various frequencies to aid relaxation and improve sleep.
Investing in Quality Sleep
The importance of quality sleep cannot be overstated. It affects daily moods, relationships, and long-term health. To achieve better sleep, investing in a supportive mattress, comfortable bedding, and regular pillow replacements is essential. Developing consistent bedtime routines and addressing undesirable sleep habits can further enhance sleep quality.
While many Americans face sleep challenges due to concerns about the economy, climate change, and politics, new trends like “sleep divorce,” sound-based sleep aids, and innovative sleeping methods are proving effective in combating disrupted sleep.
Methodology
In September 2023, we conducted a survey of 1,200 American consumers aged 18 and older. The survey was administered by the third-party platform Pollfish. The respondents were 56% male-identifying and 44% female-identifying. The data was weighted to represent the current U.S. population characteristics, with a margin of error of 3%.
