America's Sleep Habits and Deficits

Get ready to dive into the world of American sleep habits! We've got a treasure trove of data and statistics that'll make you laugh, cry, and maybe even snore a little. So, grab your favorite pillow, put on your comfiest pajamas, and let's explore the state of sleep in the U.S.! First up, let's talk about the quality of sleep. Did you know that 72% of U.S. adults got enough shuteye in 2020? That's right, folks – almost three-quarters of Americans were catching those precious Zs! But wait, there's more! If you're looking for the best place to snooze, pack your bags and head to Minnesota or Vermont. On the flip side, if you're a fan of late-night infomercials, Hawaii might be your jam – 46% of adults there report sleeping less than seven hours a night. Yikes! Now, let's talk about sleep preferences. Brace yourselves, because this is where things get a little crazy. A whopping 70% of U.S. pet owners let their furry friends snuggle up in bed with them. That's right – Fido and Fluffy are living the dream! But what would you give up for the perfect night's sleep? Believe it or not, 18% of adults would ditch their cell phones for a month, while 25% would say goodbye to music. And if you're a fan of dining out, you might want to sit down for this one – 38% would give up eating out for a month in exchange for perfect sleep. Talk about dedication! But wait, there's more! Let's talk about noise. While some people prefer the sound of silence, others like to mix it up with a little white noise (15%), brown noise (10%), pink noise (7%), or even blue noise (8%). And let's not forget about the audiobook fans – 10% of adults listen to their favorite stories to drift off to dreamland. When it comes to bedding, Americans have some strong opinions. A high-quality mattress tops the list of most worthwhile bedding products (65%), followed by memory foam pillows (39%), high-thread-count sheets (37%), and down comforters (33%). And if you're looking to add a little extra weight (pun intended), 25% of adults say a weighted blanket is the way to go!
But what about sleep supplements? Well, buckle up, because this is where things get interesting. Amino acids, vitamin D, and melatonin supplements have all been found to significantly improve sleep quality. And if you're feeling a little adventurous, 19% of adults use cannabis/marijuana to help them catch some Zs. Just don't forget the snacks! Now, let's talk about sleep tech. From sleep apps (14%) to sleep podcasts (11%) and even ASMR (8%), Americans are embracing technology to help them drift off to dreamland. And if you're a fan of cuddling up with a body pillow, you're not alone! Over half of adults are interested in a cooling body pillow that won't make them overheat, while 48% want one that can help with back, neck, or hip pain. But it's not all fun and games when it comes to sleep. Some Americans have some pretty problematic sleep habits, like using devices with screens while falling asleep (29%), not replacing their mattress in nine or more years (20%), or even keeping the same pillows for over a decade (8%). And don't even get us started on the sheets – 28% of adults wash them once a month or less. Ew! And if you're in a relationship, you might have to deal with some sleep-related challenges. A whopping 47% of adults say their partner's snoring has negatively impacted their sleep, while 32% have to deal with a blanket hog. But hey, at least you've got someone to cuddle up with – 67% of adults prefer sharing a bed while sleeping. But it's not just relationships that can impact sleep – the world around us can too. From worrying about the 2024 presidential election (18%) to inflation and cost of living (53%), climate change (22%), and even gun violence (26%), Americans have a lot on their minds when it comes to sleep.
So, where should you go if you want to catch some quality Zs? According to our earlier study, "The Top U.S. Cities for Sleep Health," the best cities for sleep are mostly wes