Americans Get Less Sleep Than 20 Years Ago

(WebMD)  U.S. adults are sleeping less than they did two decades ago, leaving few people feeling well-rested all the time, new CDC data show.

The CDC today issued two new reports that peek into the sleep habits of U.S. adults.

The first report comes from 19,589 adults in four states -- Delaware, Hawaii, New York, and Rhode Island -- who took part in 2006 telephone survey.

They were asked how often, during the previous 30 days, they felt they had gotten enough rest or sleep. Here are the results:

• 10 percent said they didn't get enough sleep or rest in any of the previous 30 days.


• About 30 percent said they got enough sleep or rest every day during the previous 30 days.

Adults aged 55 and younger and people who say they were unable to work were particularly likely to report not getting enough sleep.

Participants weren't asked how much sleep or rest they got -- just whether they felt that they got "enough" rest or sleep. The findings might not apply to the rest of the country.


Sleep Shortfall

More Americans are skimping on sleep than in the past, according to the CDC's second set of sleep statistics.

In a then-and-now comparison, the CDC charted the percentage of U.S. adults in 1985 and 2006 who report getting no more than six hours of sleep during a typical 24-hour period.

The bottom line: Getting up to six hours of sleep was more common in 2006 than in 1985. That pattern held for all age groups and was strongest for people aged 30-64.

Both studies appear in the Feb. 29 edition of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The studies don't show why people are sleeping less. It could be because of sleep disorders, other conditions, or lifestyle factors, including staying up late to surf the Internet or watch TV.


Sleep Tips

The CDC notes that, according to the National Sleep Foundation, most adults need seven to nine hours of nightly sleep to feel fully rested, and kids need more sleep. An estimated 50-70 million people in the U.S. have chronic sleep and wakefulness disorders, according to background information in the CDC's report.

If you're one of the many people who are short on sleep, here are the CDC's tips:

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule.


• Sleep in a dark, well-ventilated space at a comfortable temperature.


• Avoid stimulating activities within two hours of bedtime.


• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the evening.


• Avoid going to bed on a full or empty stomach.


• See a doctor if you are concerned about chronic sleep problems.

By Miranda Hitti
Reviewed by Louise Chang
©2008 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved

[michellem99-2009]

I never did sleep that well growing up as they kelp moving me from home to home and I did not know the people to feel safe. Today it is ageing. It is not the TV ,computer. I can''t turn my mind off. I don''t smoke,drink. I just lay there till I fall asleep. I have health problems. There is more stress today.

[neenga]

We are living beyond our means, so yeah, we should worry at night. Credit card debt, SUVs, luxury cars, huge houses, the latest toys for kids (example, Wii), vacation homes, home theaters ... Watch a 1950s t.v. show. Sure, it may seem funny and backward, but imagine a simpler life without so much "stuff." Imagine one car and going home for lunch. Imagine ... gasp! ... sharing a bedroom with a brother or sister! We are just plain spoiled. Therefore we worry about the future.

[carlylaine]

I worry so about GLOBAL WARMING most. I''m afraid we are cooking ourselves into oblivion. I''m scared. I don''t use TV or internet anymore (sure-right)...I refused to flush the toilet because what I do do (get it?) could cause all of us to BURN!!!!

If I should sleep I dream of places where there is no GLOBAL WARMING...a place of peace and tranquility. I dream that DOOMSDAY SCREAMERs do not exist.

I don''t sleep all the time because with all the information we have, I want to make sure I don''t miss out on anything.

[kailo6]

Yeah, major "duh" factor here. 1. We are chronically worried about our finances. 2. It now takes 2 of us working (= when do we take our kids to the doctor, cook our food, wash our dishes and clothes, etc.) to keep family afloat. 3. We''re all up to our ears in debt from having the nerve to go to college, and because the cost of living relative to our (2) salaries is out of control. 4. Heaven help us if we heed all the advice out there and try to get some exercise on top of all of this, or cook nutritious food instead of live on fast food. 5. The difference between our income and those of CEO-level income has been spreading since Reagan until now it''s like 2 different countries are living here.

But none of this is why we''re not sleeping. No, it''s because we have so much disposable time that we''re addicted to TV and the Web and can''t get off it. Basically, we''re slackers. Thanks for the advice, guys!

[olebd]

Yep, the reason for my insomnia is usually work or money related. Our lifestyle security has eroded to the point of constant worry.