Newswise — Nearly 90% of Americans have lost sleep at night due to concerns about the economy and health, according to a new survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Finances are cited as a concern that causes sleep loss in 87% of people, including one-fifth of the population who “almost or almost always” lose sleep due to worrying about money. Health concerns have kept 86% of Americans up at night, and 65% have lost sleep due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The current state of the economy and financial uncertainty, along with health concerns and the ongoing pandemic, are enough to keep anyone awake at night,” said Dr. Ann M Morse, a member of the Public Awareness Advisory Committee for the American Society of Sports Medicine. “These stress factors can lead to anxiety, which can raise heart rate and body temperature, making it difficult to achieve good sleep.”
For many people, thoughts tend to turn in the negative direction when night falls, and they finally fall asleep. To combat negative thought patterns and temporary stress, the American Society for Sports Medicine recommends the following tips for getting a better night’s sleep.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule Even if your bedtime or wake-up time has changed due to the pandemic, try to get at least seven hours of sleep by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, including weekends and holidays.
- Create a safe haven Keep outside noises and distractions to a minimum by making your bedroom quiet, dark and a little cool – and only use the bed for sleeping, not watching TV or reading.
- Follow a relaxing nighttime routine – With all the turmoil in the world, it is essential to schedule at least 30 minutes of relaxation before bed. Consider developing a relaxing nighttime routine, which might include reading, meditating, or taking a warm bath.
- Reduce time with social media or the news Limit your exposure to stressful news and social media conversations near bedtime to avoid delving into new stressors before bed.
- Try writing a diary before bed. Writing down what’s on your mind can be a great way to bring you calm and a sense of control. Put the anxiety and stress out of the day on paper, so you don’t hold onto unwanted thoughts when you get into bed.
“While proper sleep hygiene may help disrupt the pattern of sleepless nights and stressful days, those with persistent insomnia should seek help from the sleep team at an AASM-certified sleep center,” said Dr. Morse.
Download the results of the 2022 AASM Sleep Priorities Survey at aasm.org. To learn more about the importance of healthy sleep, visit SleepEducation.org.
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About scanning
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned an online survey of 2010 adults in the United States. The overall margin of error decreased by +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% confidence interval. Fieldwork took place between 17 and 24 February 2022. Atomik Research is an independent market research agency.
About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Founded in 1975, the American Sports Medicine Association advances sleep care and promotes sleep health to improve life. AASM has a combined membership of 11,000 certified sleep centers and individuals, including physicians, scientists, and other healthcare professionals who care for patients with sleep disorders. As a leading sleep company, AASM sets standards and promotes excellence in sleep medicine, healthcare, education and research (aasm.org).
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