🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 121 (from laksa174)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa121.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-statistics\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-statistics\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-statistics","crawl_time":1775543013,"first_indexed_time":1722427071,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,helpguide!www,\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-statistics s443","src_root_hash":"10679577116146527521","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Sleep Facts and Statistics","meta_descriptions":["Sleep is an essential part of our overall well-being. Learning about the potential health impact of poor sleep can help improve your overall quality of life."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Sleep\nLast updated on February 23, 2026\nLearn about how sleep impacts our overall health and well-being.\nKey takeaways\nAn estimated 32.8 percent of adults do not get enough sleep, meaning about one-third of the adult population is sleep-deprived.\nRoughly 50–70 million people in the United States experience sleep disorders or disturbances.\nAbout one in five (or 20 percent) of people in the United States report feeling sleepy during the day.\nSeven to nine hours of sleep are required for a healthy lifestyle.\nPoor-quality sleep can negatively impact your mental health and cognitive function and increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes.\nLong-term poor sleep can reduce your lifespan by 4.7 years for women and 2.4 years for men.\nThe most common sleep disorders are insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and sleep apnea.\nIt’s no secret that sleep is essential to our overall well-being.\nGetting enough sleep\nallows the brain and body to rest and heal from the stress of everyday life and has a\ndirect impact\non our mental and physical health. While long-term sleep loss can have a more profound impact, even minimal sleep can take a toll and\nnegatively impact\nyour productivity, emotions, and creativity.\n“Chronic\nsleep deprivation\ncan contribute to depression and anxiety. Sleep disturbances can exacerbate existing mental health conditions,” says\nRyan Sultan\n, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University and medical director of Integrative Psych. “Additionally, sleep deprivation impairs cognitive functions like concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving, which can lead to increased stress and worsened mental health. Sleep-deprived individuals are more susceptible to emotional reactivity, making them more prone to experiencing negative emotions and irritability.”\nUnfortunately, a\nrecent analysis\nfound that almost 30 percent of adults had trouble falling or staying asleep, and more than 27 percent experienced daytime sleepiness in this sample. Worldwide, lack of sleep is considered a public health epidemic—because sleep is fundamental to our health.\nSleep facts and statistics\nHow much\nsleep we actually need\nvaries depending on age.\nInfants require the most sleep\n, with a recommended 12–16 hours a day (including naps), and adults over age 18 need seven or more hours a day. While a common misconception is that older adults require less sleep, the National Institute on Aging says that older adults still need\nseven to nine hours of sleep\neach night.\nUnfortunately, 32.8 percent of adults\nreport less sleep\nthan is recommended, with 32.2 percent of adult females reporting inadequate sleep compared to 33.4 percent of males.\nStudies\nhave also shown that women reported sleeping more than men. However, the differences found were typically less than 30 minutes. Over time, poor sleep\ncan reduce lifespan\nby 4.7 years for women and 2.4 years for men.\nSleeping positions\nvary from person to person, and many people move around throughout the night. Preferences include back (supine), stomach (prone), side sleeping on the left, and side sleeping on the right. An\ninteresting study\nwas published in 2022 examining the effects of position on sleep quality. Researchers discovered that subjects who preferred to sleep on their right side (15 percent) reported the highest quality sleep, followed by left-side sleepers (31 percent), and then back sleepers (54%). But sleep position is highly subjective and more research is needed to support this finding.\nHowever, your mattress can impact comfort, so if you’re experiencing discomfort at night, you may want to ensure you have one that’s right for your preferred sleeping position and body type.\nSpeak to a Licensed Therapist\nBetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.\nTake Assessment\nHelpGuide is user supported. We earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site.\nLearn more\nSleep disorder facts\nSleep disorders\noccur when there are problems with the quality, timing, or amount of sleep that interfere with daytime functioning. Sometimes referred to as sleep-wake disorders, these conditions also result in additional stress and can be linked to medical and emotional problems, including overall mental health. It’s estimated that\n50–70 million Americans\nexperience ongoing sleep disorders.\nThe\nmost common\nsleep disorders are:\nInsomnia:\nAffecting roughly\n25–30 million people\nin the United States at any given time, people with\ninsomnia\nmay have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep.\nNarcolepsy:\nAn estimated\n200,000 people in the United States\nhave narcolepsy (one in every 2,000 people), which is a neurological disorder where the brain is unable to regulate sleep-wake cycles. People with\nnarcolepsy\nmay fall asleep during the middle of activities and experience muscle weakness.\nRestless legs syndrome (RLS):\nMore than\nthree million cases\nof RLS occur annually in the United States. This\nneurological disorder\ncauses uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them. It’s considered a sleep disorder because the strongest urges come at night and can make it hard to fall or stay asleep.\nSleep apnea:\nRoughly\n30 million people\nin the United States have sleep apnea, but only six million are diagnosed.\nOther less common sleep disorders include:\nCircadian rhythm\nsleep disorders are conditions that disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. An example of this is shift-work sleep disorder, where a person’s biological clock is thrown off by their work schedule.\nParasomnia\nincludes behaviors like sleepwalking, night terrors,\nsleep paralysis\n, and nightmares.\nSomeone with parasomnia\nmay seem alert, and they might even walk, eat, and talk, but their brain is unaware.\nSleep apnea facts\nSleep apnea\nis when you have trouble moving enough air in and out of your body during sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your upper airway becomes blocked, preventing airflow. Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when signals from the brain that stimulate breathing are interrupted. Central sleep apnea has been associated with heart disorders, strokes, and opioid pain medication use.\nApproximately\n15 percent\nof people in the United States experience sleep apnea. Obesity, being assigned male at birth, age, and family history are some of the major risk factors for sleep apnea. If you’re excessively sleepy during the day or someone tells you that you snore or gasp during sleep, you may be experiencing sleep apnea.\nSleep deprivation facts\nSleep deprivation\noccurs when you don’t get enough sleep. Causes of sleep deficiency include poor quality of sleep and sleeping during the day. You may experience sleep deprivation\nas a result\nof sleep disorders like sleep apnea, medication side effects, and the use of caffeine or other stimulants. Sleep deprivation can also occur when people intentionally limit the amount they sleep due to personal or work obligations.\nAdditionally, an estimated\none in five adults\nexperiences daytime sleepiness, which can be related to sleep deprivation and defined as difficulty maintaining desired wakefulness.\nSleep health facts\nSleep is vital to our overall health and is linked to many health issues, including memory, concentration, and mental health.\nOther health conditions\nassociated with poor sleep\ninclude:\nHigh blood pressure\n(risk is estimated at five to 20 percent).\nType 2 diabetes\n(risk is about 57 percent).\nIncreased risk of\nheart attack (myocardial infarction)\nand\ncoronary heart disease\n(about 41–55 percent).\nImbalance in the hormones that regulate appetite\ndue to\nblood sugar levels\n, potentially leading to\nweight gain\nand\nobesity.\n“\nSleep has a definite impact on mental health\nand other medical conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. The cardiovascular system is negatively impacted in people with sleep apnea due to fluctuating oxygen levels.” —\nRakesh V. Alva\n, a sleep doctor in Greensboro, North Carolina\nPracticing good sleep hygiene is just one important component of helping you sleep better. \nA recent study showed that\n76.5 percent of people\nwho reported poor sleep hygiene practices experienced sleep problems like insomnia and daytime sleepiness. An increased incidence of depression was also noted for study participants with poor sleep hygiene.\n“If you’re looking to improve your mental health, prioritizing sleep should be a top priority for you. Establishing a sleep routine, reducing stimulants like caffeine and screen time, and creating a conducive sleep environment can all contribute to better sleep and improved mental well-being. Remember, the mind and body are closely connected, and taking care of your physical health can have a positive impact on your mental health as well,” says\nStephanie Dixon\n, a health care provider for Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina.\nBut it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep to ensure you don’t have an underlying issue like sleep apnea.\n“Ultimately, getting adequate rest is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It allows your body to recover, repair, and function optimally, supporting overall well-being,” Dixon says.\nMore Information\nNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, June 15).\nHow sleep affects your health.\nLink\nCrabtree, V. M., & Brimeyer, C. (2014b). Neoplasms and sleep. In\nElsevier eBooks\n(pp. 363–367).\nLink\nDi, H., Guo, Y., Daghlas, I., Wang, L., Liu, G., Pan, A., Liu, L., & Shan, Z. (2022). Evaluation of sleep habits and disturbances among US adults, 2017-2020.\nJAMA Network Open\n,\n5\n(11), e2240788.\nLink\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, March 4).\nAre you getting enough sleep?\nLink\nGetting good sleep could add years to your life – American College of Cardiology. (2023, February 22). American College of Cardiology.\nLink\nNational Institute on Aging. (2020, November 3).\nA good night’s sleep\n. Retrieved January 22, 2024 from\nLink\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 2).\nSleep and sleep disorders: Adults\n.\nLink\nBurgard, S. A., & Ailshire, J. A. (2013). Gender and time for sleep among U.S. adults.\nAmerican Sociological Review\n,\n78\n(1), 51–69.\nLink\nPatel, A. K., Reddy, V., Shumway, K. R., & Araujo, J. F. (2022). Physiology, sleep stages.\nStatPearls [Internet]\n.\nLink\nZhang, Y., Xiao, A., Zheng, T., Xiao, H., & Huang, R. (2022). The relationship between sleeping position and sleep quality: A flexible sensor-based study.\nSensors (Basel)\n,\n22\n(16), 6220.\nLink\nAmerican Psychiatric Association. (2020, August).\nWhat are sleep disorders?\nRetrieved January 24, 2024 from\nLink\nSleep disorders and sleep deprivation. (2006). In\nNational Academies Press eBooks\n.\nLink\nAmerican Medical Association & American Medical Association. (2022, May 13). What doctors wish patients knew about insomnia.\nAmerican Medical Association\n.\nLink\nWhat is insomnia? | NHLBI, NIH\n. (2022, March 24). NHLBI, NIH.\nLink\nNarcolepsy fast facts\n. Narcolepsy Network. (2024, March 11).\nLink\nNarcolepsy\n. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.\nLink\nMansur, A., Castillo, P. R., Cabrero, F. R., & Bokhari, S. R. A. (2023, February 27).\nRestless legs Syndrome\n. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.\nLink\nRestless legs Syndrome\n. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.\nLink\nAmerican Medical Association & American Medical Association. (2022a, April 1). What doctors wish patients knew about sleep apnea.\nAmerican Medical Association\n.\nLink\nKarna, B., Sankari, A., & Tatikonda, G. (2023, June 11).\nSleep disorder\n. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.\nLink\nParasomnias\n. (2022, October 26). Yale Medicine.\nLink\nNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24).\nWhat is sleep apnea?\nLink\nYoung, T. (2009, August 1).\nBurden of sleep apnea: rationale, design, and major findings of the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study\n. PubMed Central (PMC).\nLink\nNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, September 6).\nSleep apnea: Treatment\nLink\nKnauert, M., Naik, S., Gillespie, M. B., & Kryger, M. (2015). Clinical consequences and economic costs of untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.\nWorld Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery\n,\n1\n(1), 17–27.\nLink\nNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24).\nWhat are sleep deprivation and deficiency?\nLink\nAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2008).\nSleep deprivation\n.\nLink\nYoung, T. B. (2004). Epidemiology of daytime sleepiness: Definitions, symptomatology, and prevalence.\nJournal of Clinical Psychiatry\n,\n65\n(Suppl 16), 12–16.\nLink\nSleep deprivation in college students, college students and sleep, college students and sleep deprivation. (n.d.-b). Society of Behavioral Medicine.\nLink\nGrandner, M. A., Alfonso-Miller, P., Frenandez-Mendoza, J., Shetty, S., Shenoy, S., & Combs, D. (2016). Sleep: Important considerations for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.\nCurrent Opinion in Cardiology\n,\n31\n(5), 551–565.\nLink\nThe connection between sleep, diabetes, and obesity\n. (2023, March 13). Yale Medicine.\nLink\nBeccuti, G., & Pannain, S. (2011). Sleep and obesity.\nCurrent Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care\n,\n14\n(4), 402–412.\nLink\nNational Institutes of Health. (2013, April).\nSleep on it: How snoozing strengthens memories\n. NIH News in Health. Retrieved January 25, 2024 from\nLink\nAlhola, P., & Polo-Kantola, P. (2007). Sleep deprivation: Impact on cognitive performance.\nNeuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment\n,\n3\n(5), 553–567. Retrieved January 25, 2024 from\nLink\nHelp us\nhelp others\nMillions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges. Please donate today to help us save, support, and change lives.\nDonate to HelpGuide.org today","attrs_markdown":"[![HelpGuide.org](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Group-13075.svg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/about-us)\n  - [About Us](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/about-us)\n  - [Meet Our Team](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/about-us\/meet-our-team)\n  - [Our Story](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/about-us\/our-story)\n  - [Jeanne Segal, Ph.D.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/about-us\/jeanne-segal)\n  - [Advisory Council](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/professional-advisory-council)\n  - [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/contact-us)\n- [Resources](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-statistics)\n  - [Harvard Health Partnership](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/harvard)\n  - [Audio Meditations](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/meditation)\n  - [Newsletter](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/newsletter)\n  - [Helplines](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/find-help)\n\n[Donate](https:\/\/give.helpguide.org\/give\/581002\/#!\/donation\/checkout)\n\n[![HelpGuide.org](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Logo-3.svg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/)\n\n[Donate](https:\/\/give.helpguide.org\/give\/581002\/#!\/donation\/checkout)\n\n- [How Much Sleep Do You Need?](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need)\n- [Sleep Disorders and Problems: Types, Causes, Treatment](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-disorders-and-problems)\n- [The Stages of Sleep: REM and Non-REM Sleep Cycles](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/stages-of-sleep)\n- [Sleep and Mental Health](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-and-mental-health)\n- [How Sleeping Positions Can Affect Sleep Quality](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-positions-and-sleep-quality)\n- [The Connection Between Sleep and ADHD](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/adhd-and-sleep)\n- [Parasomnias: Types, Causes, and Symptoms](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/parasomnias-types-causes-and-symptoms)\n- [Sleep Deprivation: Symptoms, Causes, and Effects](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-deprivation)\n- [Online Therapy: Is it Right for You?](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/?p=130493)\n\n- [Mental Health](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health)\n  [Mental Health](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health)\n  \n  - [ADHD](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/adhd)\n  - [Addiction](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/addiction)\n  - [Anxiety](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/anxiety)\n  - [Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/bipolar-disorder)\n  - [Depression](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/depression)\n  - [Eating Disorders](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/eating-disorders)\n  - [Grief & Loss](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/grief)\n  \n  - [Personality Disorders](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/personality-disorders)\n  - [PTSD & Trauma](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/ptsd-trauma)\n  - [Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/schizophrenia)\n  - [Stress](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/stress)\n  - [Suicide & Self-Harm](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/suicide-self-harm)\n  - [Treatment](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/treatment)\n  \n  Featured\n  \n  [Coping with Depression](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/depression\/coping-with-depression)\n  \n  Tips for overcoming depression one step at a time\n  \n  [![A woman in an orange dress strolls gracefully along a scenic path surrounded by greenery as she is coping with depression.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Coping-with-Depression-384x256.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/depression\/coping-with-depression)\n  \n  [The Best Online Therapy Platforms](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/treatment\/best-online-therapy)\n  \n  HelpGuide’s reviews of the best services\n  \n  [![Abstract illustration of a woman sitting on the floor, a hand reaching out to her from a computer screen, symbolizing the best online therapy services.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Online-Therapy-384x384.png)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/treatment\/best-online-therapy)\n- [Health & Wellness](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness)\n  [Health & Wellness](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness)\n  \n  - [Exercise & Fitness](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/fitness)\n  - [Nutrition](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/nutrition)\n  - [Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep)\n  - [Stress](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/stress)\n  - [Well-being & Happiness](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/wellbeing)\n  - [Pets](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/pets)\n  \n  - [Weight Management](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/weight-loss)\n  - [Work & Career](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/career)\n  - [Illness & Disability](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/health-conditions)\n  - [Heart Health](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/heart-health)\n  - [Cancer](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/cancer)\n  - [Sexual Health](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/relationships\/sexual-health)\n  \n  Featured\n  \n  [Stress Management](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/stress\/stress-management)\n  \n  How to reduce, prevent, and relieve stress\n  \n  [![A person calmly displays a colorful bunch of flowers in front of a lush green backdrop, suggesting successful stress management.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Stress-Management-384x256.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/stress\/stress-management)\n  \n  [Insomnia: What to Do When You Can't Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/insomnia-causes-and-cures)\n  \n  The causes of insomnia, and what to do when you can’t sleep\n  \n  [![A woman in a denim shirt sits on a bed, looking out a window at city lights during the night.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Insomnia-384x256.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/insomnia-causes-and-cures)\n- [Children & Family](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/family)\n  [Children & Family](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/family)\n  \n  - [Autism](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/autism)\n  - [Learning Disabilities](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/family\/learning-disabilities)\n  - [Family Caregiving](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/family\/caregiving)\n  \n  - [Parenting](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/family\/parenting)\n  - [Teen Issues](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/family\/young-adults)\n  \n  Featured\n  \n  [ADHD in Children](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/adhd\/adhd-in-children)\n  \n  What Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder looks like in kids\n  \n  [![Two children wearing aviator goggles and hats glide on skateboards with arms outstretched, illustrating ADHD in children.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ADHD-in-Children-384x256.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/adhd\/adhd-in-children)\n  \n  [Caregiver Stress and Caregiver Burnout](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/family\/caregiving\/caregiver-stress-and-burnout)\n  \n  Tips for regaining your energy, optimism, and hope\n  \n  [![Withered plant in a terracotta pot under harsh sunlight, representing caregiver burnout and depletion.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Caregiver-Burnout-384x256.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/family\/caregiving\/caregiver-stress-and-burnout)\n- [Relationships](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/relationships)\n  [Relationships](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/relationships)\n  \n  - [Communication](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/relationships\/communication)\n  - [Emotional Intelligence](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/emotional-intelligence)\n  - [Love & Friendship](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/relationships\/social-connection)\n  \n  - [Domestic Abuse](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/relationships\/domestic-abuse)\n  - [Sexual Health](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/relationships\/sexual-health)\n  \n  Featured\n  \n  [Setting Healthy Boundaries in Relationships](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/relationships\/social-connection\/setting-healthy-boundaries-in-relationships)\n  \n  Strengthen your connections and improve your self-esteem\n  \n  [![Two people stand either side of a red line, symbolizing setting boundaries in relationships.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Boundaries-384x256.png)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/relationships\/social-connection\/setting-healthy-boundaries-in-relationships)\n  \n  [Improving Emotional Intelligence (EQ)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/wellbeing\/emotional-intelligence-eq)\n  \n  Boost your EQ to help find happiness and success\n  \n  [![Two small wooden figures each walk inside their own large, circular band, representing improving emotional intelligence.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Improving-Emotional-Intelligence-384x257.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/wellbeing\/emotional-intelligence-eq)\n- [Aging Well](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/aging)\n  [Aging Well](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/aging)\n  \n  - [Healthy Aging](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/aging\/healthy-aging)\n  - [Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/aging\/dementia)\n  \n  - [Family Caregiving](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/family\/caregiving)\n  - [End of Life](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/aging\/end-of-life)\n  \n  Featured\n  \n  [Depression in Older Adults](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/depression\/depression-in-older-adults)\n  \n  Recognizing the signs and getting the right treatment\n  \n  [![A bush adorned with a contrast of orange and white flowers, showcasing the nature of depression in older adults](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Depression-in-Older-Adults-384x576.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/depression\/depression-in-older-adults)\n  \n  [Aging Well](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/aging\/healthy-aging\/staying-healthy-as-you-age)\n  \n  Tips to staying healthy as you get older\n  \n  [![Low-angle shot looking up into the expansive, sun-drenched canopy of a large oak tree against a clear blue sky, representing aging well.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Aging-Well-384x256.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/aging\/healthy-aging\/staying-healthy-as-you-age)\n- [Screeners](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/screening-tests\/depression-test)\n  - 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If you sign up for therapy after clicking through from this site, HelpGuide will earn a commission. This helps us continue our nonprofit mission and continue to be there as a free mental health resource for everyone.\n\nNeed to talk to someone now? [Find a crisis helpline](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/find-help)\n\nIf you're a BetterHelp therapist with questions about your directory listing, please contact [therapists@betterhelp.com](mailto:therapists@betterhelp.com)\n\nNeed to talk to someone now? [Find a crisis helpline](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/find-help)\n\n[Are You Feeling Suicidal? How to Cope with Thoughts of Suicide](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/suicide-self-harm\/are-you-feeling-suicidal)\n\n[![depression-helpline](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/plugins\/helpguide-core-functionality\/assets\/images\/svg\/depression-helpline.svg) Coping with depression Tips for overcoming depression one step at a time](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/depression\/coping-with-depression)\n\n[![generalized-helpline](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/plugins\/helpguide-core-functionality\/assets\/images\/svg\/generalized-helpline.svg) Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms, treatment, and self-help for chronic anxiety](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/anxiety\/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad)\n\n[Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep)\n\n# Sleep Statistics\nLast updated on February 23, 2026\n\nLearn about how sleep impacts our overall health and well-being.\n\n![Alarm clock resting on a bed side table](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Sleep-Statistics.jpeg)\n\nBy  [Steve Marshall, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/bio\/steve-marshall-dnp-msn-bsn-rn), Reviewed by [Joshua Roland, MD, FAASM](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/bio\/joshua-roland-md-faasm)\n\n- Sleep facts and statistics\n- Sleep disorder facts\n- Sleep health facts\n\n#### Key takeaways\n- An estimated 32.8 percent of adults do not get enough sleep, meaning about one-third of the adult population is sleep-deprived.\n- Roughly 50–70 million people in the United States experience sleep disorders or disturbances.\n- About one in five (or 20 percent) of people in the United States report feeling sleepy during the day.\n- Seven to nine hours of sleep are required for a healthy lifestyle.\n- Poor-quality sleep can negatively impact your mental health and cognitive function and increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes.\n- Long-term poor sleep can reduce your lifespan by 4.7 years for women and 2.4 years for men.\n- The most common sleep disorders are insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and sleep apnea.\n\nIt’s no secret that sleep is essential to our overall well-being. [Getting enough sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need) allows the brain and body to rest and heal from the stress of everyday life and has a [direct impact](https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/sleep-deprivation\/health-effects) on our mental and physical health. While long-term sleep loss can have a more profound impact, even minimal sleep can take a toll and [negatively impact](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/medicine-and-dentistry\/excessive-daytime-sleepiness) your productivity, emotions, and creativity.\n\n“Chronic [sleep deprivation](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-deprivation) can contribute to depression and anxiety. Sleep disturbances can exacerbate existing mental health conditions,” says [Ryan Sultan](https:\/\/www.integrativepsych.nyc\/), assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University and medical director of Integrative Psych. “Additionally, sleep deprivation impairs cognitive functions like concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving, which can lead to increased stress and worsened mental health. Sleep-deprived individuals are more susceptible to emotional reactivity, making them more prone to experiencing negative emotions and irritability.”\n\nUnfortunately, a [recent analysis](https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2798209?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=110822) found that almost 30 percent of adults had trouble falling or staying asleep, and more than 27 percent experienced daytime sleepiness in this sample. Worldwide, lack of sleep is considered a public health epidemic—because sleep is fundamental to our health.\n\n## Sleep facts and statistics\nHow much [sleep we actually need](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need#:~:text=And%20despite%20the%20notion%20that,help%20fill%20in%20the%20gap.) varies depending on age. [Infants require the most sleep](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sleep\/about\/index.html#cdc_behavioral_basics_quick-getting-enough-sleep), with a recommended 12–16 hours a day (including naps), and adults over age 18 need seven or more hours a day. While a common misconception is that older adults require less sleep, the National Institute on Aging says that older adults still need [seven to nine hours of sleep](https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/sleep\/good-nights-sleep) each night.\n\nUnfortunately, 32.8 percent of adults [report less sleep](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sleep\/data-research\/facts-stats\/adults-sleep-facts-and-stats.html) than is recommended, with 32.2 percent of adult females reporting inadequate sleep compared to 33.4 percent of males. [Studies](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4164903\/) have also shown that women reported sleeping more than men. However, the differences found were typically less than 30 minutes. Over time, poor sleep [can reduce lifespan](https:\/\/www.acc.org\/About-ACC\/Press-Releases\/2023\/02\/22\/21\/35\/Getting-Good-Sleep-Could-Add-Years-to-Your-Life) by 4.7 years for women and 2.4 years for men.\n\n[Sleeping positions](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-positions-and-sleep-quality) vary from person to person, and many people move around throughout the night. Preferences include back (supine), stomach (prone), side sleeping on the left, and side sleeping on the right. An [interesting study](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9416198\/) was published in 2022 examining the effects of position on sleep quality. Researchers discovered that subjects who preferred to sleep on their right side (15 percent) reported the highest quality sleep, followed by left-side sleepers (31 percent), and then back sleepers (54%). But sleep position is highly subjective and more research is needed to support this finding.\n\nHowever, your mattress can impact comfort, so if you’re experiencing discomfort at night, you may want to ensure you have one that’s right for your preferred sleeping position and body type.\n\n#### Speak to a Licensed Therapist\nBetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.\n\n[Take Assessment](https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=2&aff_id=2729&source=helpguide)\n\nHelpGuide is user supported. We earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site.  [Learn more](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/affiliate-disclosure)\n## Sleep disorder facts\n[Sleep disorders](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-disorders-and-problems) occur when there are problems with the quality, timing, or amount of sleep that interfere with daytime functioning. Sometimes referred to as sleep-wake disorders, these conditions also result in additional stress and can be linked to medical and emotional problems, including overall mental health. It’s estimated that [50–70 million Americans](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20669438\/) experience ongoing sleep disorders.\n\nThe [most common](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sleep\/about\/#cdc_behavioral_basics_outcomes-sleep-disorders) sleep disorders are:\n\n- **Insomnia:** Affecting roughly [25–30 million people](https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/delivering-care\/public-health\/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-insomnia) in the United States at any given time, people with [insomnia](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/insomnia-causes-and-cures) may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep.\n- **Narcolepsy:** An estimated [200,000 people in the United States](https:\/\/narcolepsynetwork.org\/about-narcolepsy\/narcolepsy-fast-facts\/#:~:text=Narcolepsy%20affects%20an%20estimated%201,diagnosed%20and%20are%20receiving%20treatment.) have narcolepsy (one in every 2,000 people), which is a neurological disorder where the brain is unable to regulate sleep-wake cycles. People with [narcolepsy](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/narcolepsy) may fall asleep during the middle of activities and experience muscle weakness.\n- **Restless legs syndrome (RLS):** More than [three million cases](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK430878\/) of RLS occur annually in the United States. This [neurological disorder](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/restless-leg-syndrome-rls) causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them. It’s considered a sleep disorder because the strongest urges come at night and can make it hard to fall or stay asleep.\n- **Sleep apnea:** Roughly [30 million people](https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/delivering-care\/public-health\/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea#:~:text=About%2030%20million%20people%20in,are%20diagnosed%20with%20the%20condition.) in the United States have sleep apnea, but only six million are diagnosed.\n\nOther less common sleep disorders include:\n\n- **Circadian rhythm** sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. An example of this is shift-work sleep disorder, where a person’s biological clock is thrown off by their work schedule.\n- **Parasomnia** includes behaviors like sleepwalking, night terrors, [sleep paralysis](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-paralysis-causes-symptoms-and-treatment), and nightmares. [Someone with parasomnia](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/parasomnias-types-causes-and-symptoms) may seem alert, and they might even walk, eat, and talk, but their brain is unaware.\n### Sleep apnea facts\n[Sleep apnea](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-apnea) is when you have trouble moving enough air in and out of your body during sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your upper airway becomes blocked, preventing airflow. Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when signals from the brain that stimulate breathing are interrupted. Central sleep apnea has been associated with heart disorders, strokes, and opioid pain medication use.\n\nApproximately [15 percent](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2858234\/) of people in the United States experience sleep apnea. Obesity, being assigned male at birth, age, and family history are some of the major risk factors for sleep apnea. If you’re excessively sleepy during the day or someone tells you that you snore or gasp during sleep, you may be experiencing sleep apnea.\n\n### Sleep deprivation facts\n[Sleep deprivation](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-deprivation) occurs when you don’t get enough sleep. Causes of sleep deficiency include poor quality of sleep and sleeping during the day. You may experience sleep deprivation [as a result](https:\/\/aasm.org\/resources\/factsheets\/sleepdeprivation.pdf) of sleep disorders like sleep apnea, medication side effects, and the use of caffeine or other stimulants. Sleep deprivation can also occur when people intentionally limit the amount they sleep due to personal or work obligations.\n\nAdditionally, an estimated [one in five adults](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15575799\/) experiences daytime sleepiness, which can be related to sleep deprivation and defined as difficulty maintaining desired wakefulness.\n\n## Sleep health facts\nSleep is vital to our overall health and is linked to many health issues, including memory, concentration, and mental health.\n\nOther health conditions [associated with poor sleep](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5056590\/) include:\n\n- **High blood pressure** (risk is estimated at five to 20 percent).\n- **Type 2 diabetes** (risk is about 57 percent).\n- Increased risk of **heart attack (myocardial infarction)** and **coronary heart disease** (about 41–55 percent).\n- [Imbalance in the hormones that regulate appetite](https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/news\/sleep-diabetes-and-obesity) due to [blood sugar levels](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3632337\/), potentially leading to **weight gain** and **obesity.**\n\n“[Sleep has a definite impact on mental health](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-and-mental-health) and other medical conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. The cardiovascular system is negatively impacted in people with sleep apnea due to fluctuating oxygen levels.” — [Rakesh V. Alva](https:\/\/www.conehealth.com\/find-a-doctor\/doctor-profile\/rakesh-alva\/), a sleep doctor in Greensboro, North Carolina\n\nPracticing good sleep hygiene is just one important component of helping you sleep better. A recent study showed that [76\\.5 percent of people](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10105495\/#:~:text=p%20%3C%200.001\\).-,The%20percentage%20of%20subjects%20who%20had%20problems%20sleeping%20during%20the,practices%20\\(p%20%3D%200.001) who reported poor sleep hygiene practices experienced sleep problems like insomnia and daytime sleepiness. An increased incidence of depression was also noted for study participants with poor sleep hygiene.\n\n“If you’re looking to improve your mental health, prioritizing sleep should be a top priority for you. Establishing a sleep routine, reducing stimulants like caffeine and screen time, and creating a conducive sleep environment can all contribute to better sleep and improved mental well-being. Remember, the mind and body are closely connected, and taking care of your physical health can have a positive impact on your mental health as well,” says [Stephanie Dixon](https:\/\/www.conehealth.com\/find-a-doctor\/doctor-profile\/stephanie-dixon\/), a health care provider for Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina.\n\nBut it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep to ensure you don’t have an underlying issue like sleep apnea.\n\n“Ultimately, getting adequate rest is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It allows your body to recover, repair, and function optimally, supporting overall well-being,” Dixon says.\n\n## More Information\nReferences\n\n1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, June 15). *How sleep affects your health.*\n   [Link](https:\/\/nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/sleep-deprivation\/health-effects)\n2. Crabtree, V. M., & Brimeyer, C. (2014b). Neoplasms and sleep. In *Elsevier eBooks* (pp. 363–367).\n   [Link](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/B9781455703180000450?via%3Dihub)\n3. Di, H., Guo, Y., Daghlas, I., Wang, L., Liu, G., Pan, A., Liu, L., & Shan, Z. (2022). Evaluation of sleep habits and disturbances among US adults, 2017-2020. *JAMA Network Open*, *5*(11), e2240788.\n   [Link](https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2798209)\n4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, March 4). *Are you getting enough sleep?*\n   [Link](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sleep\/about\/index.html#cdc_behavioral_basics_quick-getting-enough-sleep)\n5. Getting good sleep could add years to your life – American College of Cardiology. (2023, February 22). American College of Cardiology.\n   [Link](https:\/\/www.acc.org\/About-ACC\/Press-Releases\/2023\/02\/22\/21\/35\/Getting-Good-Sleep-Could-Add-Years-to-Your-Life)\n6. National Institute on Aging. (2020, November 3). *A good night’s sleep*. Retrieved January 22, 2024 from\n   [Link](https:\/\/nia.nih.gov\/health\/sleep\/good-nights-sleep)\n7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 2). *Sleep and sleep disorders: Adults*.\n   [Link](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sleep\/about\/#cdc_behavioral_basics_outcomes-sleep-disorders)\n8. Burgard, S. A., & Ailshire, J. A. (2013). Gender and time for sleep among U.S. adults. *American Sociological Review*, *78*(1), 51–69.\n   [Link](https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1177\/0003122412472048)\n9. Patel, A. K., Reddy, V., Shumway, K. R., & Araujo, J. F. (2022). Physiology, sleep stages. *StatPearls \\[Internet\\]*.\n   [Link](https:\/\/ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK526132)\n10. Zhang, Y., Xiao, A., Zheng, T., Xiao, H., & Huang, R. (2022). The relationship between sleeping position and sleep quality: A flexible sensor-based study. *Sensors (Basel)*, *22*(16), 6220.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1424-8220\/22\/16\/6220)\n11. American Psychiatric Association. (2020, August). *What are sleep disorders?* Retrieved January 24, 2024 from\n    [Link](https:\/\/psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/sleep-disorders\/what-are-sleep-disorders)\n12. Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation. (2006). In *National Academies Press eBooks*.\n    [Link](https:\/\/nap.nationalacademies.org\/catalog\/11617\/sleep-disorders-and-sleep-deprivation-an-unmet-public-health-problem)\n13. American Medical Association & American Medical Association. (2022, May 13). What doctors wish patients knew about insomnia. *American Medical Association*.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/delivering-care\/public-health\/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-insomnia)\n14. *What is insomnia? \\| NHLBI, NIH*. (2022, March 24). NHLBI, NIH.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/insomnia)\n15. *Narcolepsy fast facts*. Narcolepsy Network. (2024, March 11).\n    [Link](https:\/\/narcolepsynetwork.org\/about-narcolepsy\/narcolepsy-fast-facts)\n16. *Narcolepsy*. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/narcolepsy)\n17. Mansur, A., Castillo, P. R., Cabrero, F. R., & Bokhari, S. R. A. (2023, February 27). *Restless legs Syndrome*. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK430878)\n18. *Restless legs Syndrome*. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/restless-legs-syndrome)\n19. American Medical Association & American Medical Association. (2022a, April 1). What doctors wish patients knew about sleep apnea. *American Medical Association*.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/delivering-care\/public-health\/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea)\n20. Karna, B., Sankari, A., & Tatikonda, G. (2023, June 11). *Sleep disorder*. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK560720\/)\n21. *Parasomnias*. (2022, October 26). Yale Medicine.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/conditions\/parasomnias)\n22. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24). *What is sleep apnea?*\n    [Link](https:\/\/nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/sleep-apnea)\n23. Young, T. (2009, August 1). *Burden of sleep apnea: rationale, design, and major findings of the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study*. PubMed Central (PMC).\n    [Link](https:\/\/ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2858234)\n24. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, September 6). *Sleep apnea: Treatment*\n    [Link](https:\/\/nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/sleep-apnea\/treatment)\n25. Knauert, M., Naik, S., Gillespie, M. B., & Kryger, M. (2015). Clinical consequences and economic costs of untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. *World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery*, *1*(1), 17–27.\n    [Link](https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1016\/j.wjorl.2015.08.001)\n26. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24). *What are sleep deprivation and deficiency?*\n    [Link](https:\/\/nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/sleep-deprivation)\n27. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2008). *Sleep deprivation*.\n    [Link](https:\/\/aasm.org\/resources\/factsheets\/sleepdeprivation.pdf)\n28. Young, T. B. (2004). Epidemiology of daytime sleepiness: Definitions, symptomatology, and prevalence. *Journal of Clinical Psychiatry*, *65*(Suppl 16), 12–16.\n    [Link](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15575799\/)\n29. Sleep deprivation in college students, college students and sleep, college students and sleep deprivation. (n.d.-b). Society of Behavioral Medicine.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.sbm.org\/healthy-living\/sleep-better-feel-better-preventing-sleep-deprivation-in-college-students)\n30. Grandner, M. A., Alfonso-Miller, P., Frenandez-Mendoza, J., Shetty, S., Shenoy, S., & Combs, D. (2016). Sleep: Important considerations for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. *Current Opinion in Cardiology*, *31*(5), 551–565.\n    [Link](https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/co-cardiology\/abstract\/2016\/09000\/sleep__important_considerations_for_the_prevention.12.aspx)\n31. *The connection between sleep, diabetes, and obesity*. (2023, March 13). Yale Medicine.\n    [Link](https:\/\/yalemedicine.org\/news\/sleep-diabetes-and-obesity)\n32. Beccuti, G., & Pannain, S. (2011). Sleep and obesity. *Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care*, *14*(4), 402–412.\n    [Link](https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/co-clinicalnutrition\/abstract\/2011\/07000\/sleep_and_obesity.16.aspx)\n33. National Institutes of Health. (2013, April). *Sleep on it: How snoozing strengthens memories*. NIH News in Health. Retrieved January 25, 2024 from\n    [Link](https:\/\/newsinhealth.nih.gov\/2013\/04\/sleep-it)\n34. Alhola, P., & Polo-Kantola, P. (2007). Sleep deprivation: Impact on cognitive performance. *Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment*, *3*(5), 553–567. Retrieved January 25, 2024 from\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2656292)\n\n[Copy Link](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-statistics)\n\nLink copied\\!\n\nShare\n\nPrint\n\nDownload PDF\n\n## More in Sleep\n[Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep)\n\n### [How Much Sleep Do You Need?](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need)\nExploring your sleep needs and the different stages of sleep\n\n[![Hand reaches out to touch a glowing sunrise alarm clock on a bedside table as someone sleeps in the background.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/How-Much-Sleep-Do-You-Need-384x255.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need)\n\n[Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep)\n\n### [Sleep Disorders and Problems](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-disorders-and-problems)\nTypes, causes, symptoms, and treatment for common sleep problems\n\n[![Silhouette of a person with long hair looking at a small, bright moon in a dark blue twilight sky.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Sleep-Disorders-384x216.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-disorders-and-problems)\n\n[Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep)\n\n### [The Stages of Sleep: REM and Non-REM Sleep Cycles](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/stages-of-sleep)\nCircadian rhythms, sleep stages, and sleep architecture\n\n[![Close-up of an EEG printout showing brain wave activity across multiple horizontal lines.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Science-of-Sleep-384x256.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/stages-of-sleep)\n\n[Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep)\n\n### [Sleep and Mental Health](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-and-mental-health)\nHow they’re closely connected\n\n[![A woman is seated rigidly on the edge of a bed after a restless night, staring at a window, illustrating the link between sleep and mental health.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sleep-and-Mental-Health-384x256.png)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-and-mental-health)\n\n[Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep)\n\n### [Sleeping Positions and Sleep Quality](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-positions-and-sleep-quality)\nHow sleep position can impact how well you rest\n\n[![A man and woman sleep side by side in a cosy, comfortable bed, illustrating how sleeping positions can affect sleep quality.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/How-Sleeping-Positions-Can-Affect-Sleep-Quality-384x255.jpg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-positions-and-sleep-quality)\n\n[Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep)\n\n### [The Connection Between Sleep and ADHD](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/adhd-and-sleep)\nHow sleep impacts ADHD\n\n[![A woman struggles to sleep in a cozy bed, surrounded by soft pillows and blankets, illustrating the connection between sleep and ADHD.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/The-Connection-Between-Sleep-and-ADHD-384x258.jpg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/adhd-and-sleep)\n\n[Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep)\n\n### [Parasomnias](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/parasomnias-types-causes-and-symptoms)\nTypes, causes, and symptoms\n\n[![A man standing in front of a cloud-filled doorway.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Parasomnias-Types-Causes-And-Symptoms-384x256.jpg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/parasomnias-types-causes-and-symptoms)\n\n[Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep)\n\n### [Sleep Deprivation](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-deprivation)\nHow lack of sleep can damage your health\n\n[![Three white espresso and coffee cups with saucers in small, medium, and large sizes on a wooden shelf.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Sleep-Deprivation-384x256.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-deprivation)\n\nShare\n\nDownload PDF\n\n### More in Sleep\n[Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep)\n\n### [How Much Sleep Do You Need?](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need)\nExploring your sleep needs and the different stages of sleep\n\n[Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep)\n\n### [Sleep Disorders and Problems](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-disorders-and-problems)\nTypes, causes, symptoms, and treatment for common sleep problems\n\n[Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep)\n\n### [The Stages of Sleep: REM and Non-REM Sleep Cycles](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/stages-of-sleep)\nCircadian rhythms, sleep stages, and sleep architecture\n\n![](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/therapy-sidebar-384x229.jpg)\n\n#### Professional therapy, done online\nBetterHelp makes starting therapy easy. Take the assessment and get matched with a professional, licensed therapist.\n\n[Take Assessment](https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=2&aff_id=2729&source=helpguide)\n\n[HelpGuide is user supported. We may earn a commission from links you follow.](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/affiliate-disclosure)\n\n## Help us *help others*\nMillions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges. Please donate today to help us save, support, and change lives.\n\n[Donate to HelpGuide.org today](https:\/\/give.helpguide.org\/give\/581002\/#!\/donation\/checkout)\n\n[![HelpGuide.org](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Group-13075.svg)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/about-us)\n  - [Meet Our Team](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/about-us\/meet-our-team)\n  - [Our Story](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/about-us\/our-story)\n  - [Advisory Council](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/professional-advisory-council)\n\n- [Resources](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-statistics)\n  - [Harvard Health](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/harvard)\n  - [Meditation](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental-health\/meditation)\n  - [Newsletter](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/newsletter)\n\n- [Get In Touch](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/contact-us)\n  - [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/contact-us)\n\n515 S Flower St Ste 1800  \n Los Angeles CA 90071\n\n[![Guidestar Platinum Transparency 2021](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/candid-seal-platinum-2022-1.png)](https:\/\/www.guidestar.org\/profile\/45-4510670)   [![Great Nonprofits 2021 Top Rated](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Group-13103-1.png)](https:\/\/greatnonprofits.org\/org\/helpguide)   [![HONcode standard for trustworthy health information](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/badge-2.png)](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-statistics)\n\n##### Join Our Newsletter\nMental health and wellness tips, our latest guides, resources, and more.\n\n##### Mental Health Helplines\nAre you or someone you know in crisis? Find helplines and other resources around the world.\n\n[Get Help](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/find-help)\n\n©1999-2026 HelpGuide.org   \n All rights reserved. HELPGUIDE.ORG INTERNATIONAL is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization (ID \\#45-4510670). Our content does not constitute a medical or psychological consultation. See a certified medical or mental health professional for diagnosis. [Learn more](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/terms-of-use).\n\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/terms-of-use)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/privacy-policy)\n- [Cookies Policy](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/cookie-policy)\n- [Affiliate Policy](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/affiliate-disclosure)","attrs_readable_markdown":"[Sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep)\n\nLast updated on February 23, 2026\n\nLearn about how sleep impacts our overall health and well-being.\n\n![Alarm clock resting on a bed side table](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Sleep-Statistics.jpeg)\n\n#### Key takeaways\n- An estimated 32.8 percent of adults do not get enough sleep, meaning about one-third of the adult population is sleep-deprived.\n- Roughly 50–70 million people in the United States experience sleep disorders or disturbances.\n- About one in five (or 20 percent) of people in the United States report feeling sleepy during the day.\n- Seven to nine hours of sleep are required for a healthy lifestyle.\n- Poor-quality sleep can negatively impact your mental health and cognitive function and increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes.\n- Long-term poor sleep can reduce your lifespan by 4.7 years for women and 2.4 years for men.\n- The most common sleep disorders are insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and sleep apnea.\n\nIt’s no secret that sleep is essential to our overall well-being. [Getting enough sleep](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need) allows the brain and body to rest and heal from the stress of everyday life and has a [direct impact](https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/sleep-deprivation\/health-effects) on our mental and physical health. While long-term sleep loss can have a more profound impact, even minimal sleep can take a toll and [negatively impact](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/medicine-and-dentistry\/excessive-daytime-sleepiness) your productivity, emotions, and creativity.\n\n“Chronic [sleep deprivation](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-deprivation) can contribute to depression and anxiety. Sleep disturbances can exacerbate existing mental health conditions,” says [Ryan Sultan](https:\/\/www.integrativepsych.nyc\/), assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University and medical director of Integrative Psych. “Additionally, sleep deprivation impairs cognitive functions like concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving, which can lead to increased stress and worsened mental health. Sleep-deprived individuals are more susceptible to emotional reactivity, making them more prone to experiencing negative emotions and irritability.”\n\nUnfortunately, a [recent analysis](https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2798209?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=110822) found that almost 30 percent of adults had trouble falling or staying asleep, and more than 27 percent experienced daytime sleepiness in this sample. Worldwide, lack of sleep is considered a public health epidemic—because sleep is fundamental to our health.\n\n## Sleep facts and statistics\nHow much [sleep we actually need](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need#:~:text=And%20despite%20the%20notion%20that,help%20fill%20in%20the%20gap.) varies depending on age. [Infants require the most sleep](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sleep\/about\/index.html#cdc_behavioral_basics_quick-getting-enough-sleep), with a recommended 12–16 hours a day (including naps), and adults over age 18 need seven or more hours a day. While a common misconception is that older adults require less sleep, the National Institute on Aging says that older adults still need [seven to nine hours of sleep](https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/sleep\/good-nights-sleep) each night.\n\nUnfortunately, 32.8 percent of adults [report less sleep](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sleep\/data-research\/facts-stats\/adults-sleep-facts-and-stats.html) than is recommended, with 32.2 percent of adult females reporting inadequate sleep compared to 33.4 percent of males. [Studies](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4164903\/) have also shown that women reported sleeping more than men. However, the differences found were typically less than 30 minutes. Over time, poor sleep [can reduce lifespan](https:\/\/www.acc.org\/About-ACC\/Press-Releases\/2023\/02\/22\/21\/35\/Getting-Good-Sleep-Could-Add-Years-to-Your-Life) by 4.7 years for women and 2.4 years for men.\n\n[Sleeping positions](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-positions-and-sleep-quality) vary from person to person, and many people move around throughout the night. Preferences include back (supine), stomach (prone), side sleeping on the left, and side sleeping on the right. An [interesting study](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9416198\/) was published in 2022 examining the effects of position on sleep quality. Researchers discovered that subjects who preferred to sleep on their right side (15 percent) reported the highest quality sleep, followed by left-side sleepers (31 percent), and then back sleepers (54%). But sleep position is highly subjective and more research is needed to support this finding.\n\nHowever, your mattress can impact comfort, so if you’re experiencing discomfort at night, you may want to ensure you have one that’s right for your preferred sleeping position and body type.\n\n#### Speak to a Licensed Therapist\nBetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.\n\n[Take Assessment](https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=2&aff_id=2729&source=helpguide) HelpGuide is user supported. We earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site.  [Learn more](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/affiliate-disclosure)\n## Sleep disorder facts\n[Sleep disorders](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-disorders-and-problems) occur when there are problems with the quality, timing, or amount of sleep that interfere with daytime functioning. Sometimes referred to as sleep-wake disorders, these conditions also result in additional stress and can be linked to medical and emotional problems, including overall mental health. It’s estimated that [50–70 million Americans](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20669438\/) experience ongoing sleep disorders.\n\nThe [most common](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sleep\/about\/#cdc_behavioral_basics_outcomes-sleep-disorders) sleep disorders are:\n\n- **Insomnia:** Affecting roughly [25–30 million people](https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/delivering-care\/public-health\/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-insomnia) in the United States at any given time, people with [insomnia](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/insomnia-causes-and-cures) may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep.\n- **Narcolepsy:** An estimated [200,000 people in the United States](https:\/\/narcolepsynetwork.org\/about-narcolepsy\/narcolepsy-fast-facts\/#:~:text=Narcolepsy%20affects%20an%20estimated%201,diagnosed%20and%20are%20receiving%20treatment.) have narcolepsy (one in every 2,000 people), which is a neurological disorder where the brain is unable to regulate sleep-wake cycles. People with [narcolepsy](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/narcolepsy) may fall asleep during the middle of activities and experience muscle weakness.\n- **Restless legs syndrome (RLS):** More than [three million cases](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK430878\/) of RLS occur annually in the United States. This [neurological disorder](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/restless-leg-syndrome-rls) causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them. It’s considered a sleep disorder because the strongest urges come at night and can make it hard to fall or stay asleep.\n- **Sleep apnea:** Roughly [30 million people](https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/delivering-care\/public-health\/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea#:~:text=About%2030%20million%20people%20in,are%20diagnosed%20with%20the%20condition.) in the United States have sleep apnea, but only six million are diagnosed.\n\nOther less common sleep disorders include:\n\n- **Circadian rhythm** sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. An example of this is shift-work sleep disorder, where a person’s biological clock is thrown off by their work schedule.\n- **Parasomnia** includes behaviors like sleepwalking, night terrors, [sleep paralysis](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-paralysis-causes-symptoms-and-treatment), and nightmares. [Someone with parasomnia](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/parasomnias-types-causes-and-symptoms) may seem alert, and they might even walk, eat, and talk, but their brain is unaware.\n### Sleep apnea facts\n[Sleep apnea](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-apnea) is when you have trouble moving enough air in and out of your body during sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your upper airway becomes blocked, preventing airflow. Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when signals from the brain that stimulate breathing are interrupted. Central sleep apnea has been associated with heart disorders, strokes, and opioid pain medication use.\n\nApproximately [15 percent](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2858234\/) of people in the United States experience sleep apnea. Obesity, being assigned male at birth, age, and family history are some of the major risk factors for sleep apnea. If you’re excessively sleepy during the day or someone tells you that you snore or gasp during sleep, you may be experiencing sleep apnea.\n\n### Sleep deprivation facts\n[Sleep deprivation](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-deprivation) occurs when you don’t get enough sleep. Causes of sleep deficiency include poor quality of sleep and sleeping during the day. You may experience sleep deprivation [as a result](https:\/\/aasm.org\/resources\/factsheets\/sleepdeprivation.pdf) of sleep disorders like sleep apnea, medication side effects, and the use of caffeine or other stimulants. Sleep deprivation can also occur when people intentionally limit the amount they sleep due to personal or work obligations.\n\nAdditionally, an estimated [one in five adults](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15575799\/) experiences daytime sleepiness, which can be related to sleep deprivation and defined as difficulty maintaining desired wakefulness.\n\n## Sleep health facts\nSleep is vital to our overall health and is linked to many health issues, including memory, concentration, and mental health.\n\nOther health conditions [associated with poor sleep](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5056590\/) include:\n\n- **High blood pressure** (risk is estimated at five to 20 percent).\n- **Type 2 diabetes** (risk is about 57 percent).\n- Increased risk of **heart attack (myocardial infarction)** and **coronary heart disease** (about 41–55 percent).\n- [Imbalance in the hormones that regulate appetite](https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/news\/sleep-diabetes-and-obesity) due to [blood sugar levels](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3632337\/), potentially leading to **weight gain** and **obesity.**\n\n“[Sleep has a definite impact on mental health](https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/wellness\/sleep\/sleep-and-mental-health) and other medical conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. The cardiovascular system is negatively impacted in people with sleep apnea due to fluctuating oxygen levels.” — [Rakesh V. Alva](https:\/\/www.conehealth.com\/find-a-doctor\/doctor-profile\/rakesh-alva\/), a sleep doctor in Greensboro, North Carolina\n\nPracticing good sleep hygiene is just one important component of helping you sleep better. A recent study showed that [76\\.5 percent of people](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10105495\/#:~:text=p%20%3C%200.001\\).-,The%20percentage%20of%20subjects%20who%20had%20problems%20sleeping%20during%20the,practices%20\\(p%20%3D%200.001) who reported poor sleep hygiene practices experienced sleep problems like insomnia and daytime sleepiness. An increased incidence of depression was also noted for study participants with poor sleep hygiene.\n\n“If you’re looking to improve your mental health, prioritizing sleep should be a top priority for you. Establishing a sleep routine, reducing stimulants like caffeine and screen time, and creating a conducive sleep environment can all contribute to better sleep and improved mental well-being. Remember, the mind and body are closely connected, and taking care of your physical health can have a positive impact on your mental health as well,” says [Stephanie Dixon](https:\/\/www.conehealth.com\/find-a-doctor\/doctor-profile\/stephanie-dixon\/), a health care provider for Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina.\n\nBut it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep to ensure you don’t have an underlying issue like sleep apnea.\n\n“Ultimately, getting adequate rest is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It allows your body to recover, repair, and function optimally, supporting overall well-being,” Dixon says.\n\n## More Information\n1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, June 15). *How sleep affects your health.*\n   [Link](https:\/\/nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/sleep-deprivation\/health-effects)\n2. Crabtree, V. M., & Brimeyer, C. (2014b). Neoplasms and sleep. In *Elsevier eBooks* (pp. 363–367).\n   [Link](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/B9781455703180000450?via%3Dihub)\n3. Di, H., Guo, Y., Daghlas, I., Wang, L., Liu, G., Pan, A., Liu, L., & Shan, Z. (2022). Evaluation of sleep habits and disturbances among US adults, 2017-2020. *JAMA Network Open*, *5*(11), e2240788.\n   [Link](https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2798209)\n4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, March 4). *Are you getting enough sleep?*\n   [Link](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sleep\/about\/index.html#cdc_behavioral_basics_quick-getting-enough-sleep)\n5. Getting good sleep could add years to your life – American College of Cardiology. (2023, February 22). American College of Cardiology.\n   [Link](https:\/\/www.acc.org\/About-ACC\/Press-Releases\/2023\/02\/22\/21\/35\/Getting-Good-Sleep-Could-Add-Years-to-Your-Life)\n6. National Institute on Aging. (2020, November 3). *A good night’s sleep*. Retrieved January 22, 2024 from\n   [Link](https:\/\/nia.nih.gov\/health\/sleep\/good-nights-sleep)\n7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 2). *Sleep and sleep disorders: Adults*.\n   [Link](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sleep\/about\/#cdc_behavioral_basics_outcomes-sleep-disorders)\n8. Burgard, S. A., & Ailshire, J. A. (2013). Gender and time for sleep among U.S. adults. *American Sociological Review*, *78*(1), 51–69.\n   [Link](https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1177\/0003122412472048)\n9. Patel, A. K., Reddy, V., Shumway, K. R., & Araujo, J. F. (2022). Physiology, sleep stages. *StatPearls \\[Internet\\]*.\n   [Link](https:\/\/ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK526132)\n10. Zhang, Y., Xiao, A., Zheng, T., Xiao, H., & Huang, R. (2022). The relationship between sleeping position and sleep quality: A flexible sensor-based study. *Sensors (Basel)*, *22*(16), 6220.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1424-8220\/22\/16\/6220)\n11. American Psychiatric Association. (2020, August). *What are sleep disorders?* Retrieved January 24, 2024 from\n    [Link](https:\/\/psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/sleep-disorders\/what-are-sleep-disorders)\n12. Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation. (2006). In *National Academies Press eBooks*.\n    [Link](https:\/\/nap.nationalacademies.org\/catalog\/11617\/sleep-disorders-and-sleep-deprivation-an-unmet-public-health-problem)\n13. American Medical Association & American Medical Association. (2022, May 13). What doctors wish patients knew about insomnia. *American Medical Association*.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/delivering-care\/public-health\/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-insomnia)\n14. *What is insomnia? \\| NHLBI, NIH*. (2022, March 24). NHLBI, NIH.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/insomnia)\n15. *Narcolepsy fast facts*. Narcolepsy Network. (2024, March 11).\n    [Link](https:\/\/narcolepsynetwork.org\/about-narcolepsy\/narcolepsy-fast-facts)\n16. *Narcolepsy*. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/narcolepsy)\n17. Mansur, A., Castillo, P. R., Cabrero, F. R., & Bokhari, S. R. A. (2023, February 27). *Restless legs Syndrome*. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK430878)\n18. *Restless legs Syndrome*. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/restless-legs-syndrome)\n19. American Medical Association & American Medical Association. (2022a, April 1). What doctors wish patients knew about sleep apnea. *American Medical Association*.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/delivering-care\/public-health\/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea)\n20. Karna, B., Sankari, A., & Tatikonda, G. (2023, June 11). *Sleep disorder*. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK560720\/)\n21. *Parasomnias*. (2022, October 26). Yale Medicine.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/conditions\/parasomnias)\n22. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24). *What is sleep apnea?*\n    [Link](https:\/\/nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/sleep-apnea)\n23. Young, T. (2009, August 1). *Burden of sleep apnea: rationale, design, and major findings of the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study*. PubMed Central (PMC).\n    [Link](https:\/\/ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2858234)\n24. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, September 6). *Sleep apnea: Treatment*\n    [Link](https:\/\/nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/sleep-apnea\/treatment)\n25. Knauert, M., Naik, S., Gillespie, M. B., & Kryger, M. (2015). Clinical consequences and economic costs of untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. *World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery*, *1*(1), 17–27.\n    [Link](https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1016\/j.wjorl.2015.08.001)\n26. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24). *What are sleep deprivation and deficiency?*\n    [Link](https:\/\/nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/sleep-deprivation)\n27. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2008). *Sleep deprivation*.\n    [Link](https:\/\/aasm.org\/resources\/factsheets\/sleepdeprivation.pdf)\n28. Young, T. B. (2004). Epidemiology of daytime sleepiness: Definitions, symptomatology, and prevalence. *Journal of Clinical Psychiatry*, *65*(Suppl 16), 12–16.\n    [Link](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15575799\/)\n29. Sleep deprivation in college students, college students and sleep, college students and sleep deprivation. (n.d.-b). Society of Behavioral Medicine.\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.sbm.org\/healthy-living\/sleep-better-feel-better-preventing-sleep-deprivation-in-college-students)\n30. Grandner, M. A., Alfonso-Miller, P., Frenandez-Mendoza, J., Shetty, S., Shenoy, S., & Combs, D. (2016). Sleep: Important considerations for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. *Current Opinion in Cardiology*, *31*(5), 551–565.\n    [Link](https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/co-cardiology\/abstract\/2016\/09000\/sleep__important_considerations_for_the_prevention.12.aspx)\n31. *The connection between sleep, diabetes, and obesity*. (2023, March 13). Yale Medicine.\n    [Link](https:\/\/yalemedicine.org\/news\/sleep-diabetes-and-obesity)\n32. Beccuti, G., & Pannain, S. (2011). Sleep and obesity. *Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care*, *14*(4), 402–412.\n    [Link](https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/co-clinicalnutrition\/abstract\/2011\/07000\/sleep_and_obesity.16.aspx)\n33. National Institutes of Health. (2013, April). *Sleep on it: How snoozing strengthens memories*. NIH News in Health. Retrieved January 25, 2024 from\n    [Link](https:\/\/newsinhealth.nih.gov\/2013\/04\/sleep-it)\n34. Alhola, P., & Polo-Kantola, P. (2007). Sleep deprivation: Impact on cognitive performance. *Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment*, *3*(5), 553–567. Retrieved January 25, 2024 from\n    [Link](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2656292)\n\n## Help us *help others*\nMillions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges. Please donate today to help us save, support, and change lives.\n\n[Donate to HelpGuide.org today](https:\/\/give.helpguide.org\/give\/581002\/#!\/donation\/checkout)","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Sleep Last updated on February 23, 2026 Learn about how sleep impacts our overall health and well-being. Key takeaways An estimated 32.8 percent of adults do not get enough sleep, meaning about one-third of the adult population is sleep-deprived. Roughly 50–70 million people in the United States experience sleep disorders or disturbances. About one in five (or 20 percent) of people in the United States report feeling sleepy during the day. Seven to nine hours of sleep are required for a healthy lifestyle. Poor-quality sleep can negatively impact your mental health and cognitive function and increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Long-term poor sleep can reduce your lifespan by 4.7 years for women and 2.4 years for men. The most common sleep disorders are insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and sleep apnea. It’s no secret that sleep is essential to our overall well-being. Getting enough sleep allows the brain and body to rest and heal from the stress of everyday life and has a direct impact on our mental and physical health. While long-term sleep loss can have a more profound impact, even minimal sleep can take a toll and negatively impact your productivity, emotions, and creativity. “Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to depression and anxiety. Sleep disturbances can exacerbate existing mental health conditions,” says Ryan Sultan , assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University and medical director of Integrative Psych. “Additionally, sleep deprivation impairs cognitive functions like concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving, which can lead to increased stress and worsened mental health. Sleep-deprived individuals are more susceptible to emotional reactivity, making them more prone to experiencing negative emotions and irritability.” Unfortunately, a recent analysis found that almost 30 percent of adults had trouble falling or staying asleep, and more than 27 percent experienced daytime sleepiness in this sample. Worldwide, lack of sleep is considered a public health epidemic—because sleep is fundamental to our health. Sleep facts and statistics How much sleep we actually need varies depending on age. Infants require the most sleep , with a recommended 12–16 hours a day (including naps), and adults over age 18 need seven or more hours a day. While a common misconception is that older adults require less sleep, the National Institute on Aging says that older adults still need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Unfortunately, 32.8 percent of adults report less sleep than is recommended, with 32.2 percent of adult females reporting inadequate sleep compared to 33.4 percent of males. Studies have also shown that women reported sleeping more than men. However, the differences found were typically less than 30 minutes. Over time, poor sleep can reduce lifespan by 4.7 years for women and 2.4 years for men. Sleeping positions vary from person to person, and many people move around throughout the night. Preferences include back (supine), stomach (prone), side sleeping on the left, and side sleeping on the right. An interesting study was published in 2022 examining the effects of position on sleep quality. Researchers discovered that subjects who preferred to sleep on their right side (15 percent) reported the highest quality sleep, followed by left-side sleepers (31 percent), and then back sleepers (54%). But sleep position is highly subjective and more research is needed to support this finding. However, your mattress can impact comfort, so if you’re experiencing discomfort at night, you may want to ensure you have one that’s right for your preferred sleeping position and body type. Speak to a Licensed Therapist BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Take Assessment HelpGuide is user supported. We earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site. Learn more Sleep disorder facts Sleep disorders occur when there are problems with the quality, timing, or amount of sleep that interfere with daytime functioning. Sometimes referred to as sleep-wake disorders, these conditions also result in additional stress and can be linked to medical and emotional problems, including overall mental health. It’s estimated that 50–70 million Americans experience ongoing sleep disorders. The most common sleep disorders are: Insomnia: Affecting roughly 25–30 million people in the United States at any given time, people with insomnia may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep. Narcolepsy: An estimated 200,000 people in the United States have narcolepsy (one in every 2,000 people), which is a neurological disorder where the brain is unable to regulate sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may fall asleep during the middle of activities and experience muscle weakness. Restless legs syndrome (RLS): More than three million cases of RLS occur annually in the United States. This neurological disorder causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them. It’s considered a sleep disorder because the strongest urges come at night and can make it hard to fall or stay asleep. Sleep apnea: Roughly 30 million people in the United States have sleep apnea, but only six million are diagnosed. Other less common sleep disorders include: Circadian rhythm sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. An example of this is shift-work sleep disorder, where a person’s biological clock is thrown off by their work schedule. Parasomnia includes behaviors like sleepwalking, night terrors, sleep paralysis , and nightmares. Someone with parasomnia may seem alert, and they might even walk, eat, and talk, but their brain is unaware. Sleep apnea facts Sleep apnea is when you have trouble moving enough air in and out of your body during sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your upper airway becomes blocked, preventing airflow. Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when signals from the brain that stimulate breathing are interrupted. Central sleep apnea has been associated with heart disorders, strokes, and opioid pain medication use. Approximately 15 percent of people in the United States experience sleep apnea. Obesity, being assigned male at birth, age, and family history are some of the major risk factors for sleep apnea. If you’re excessively sleepy during the day or someone tells you that you snore or gasp during sleep, you may be experiencing sleep apnea. Sleep deprivation facts Sleep deprivation occurs when you don’t get enough sleep. Causes of sleep deficiency include poor quality of sleep and sleeping during the day. You may experience sleep deprivation as a result of sleep disorders like sleep apnea, medication side effects, and the use of caffeine or other stimulants. Sleep deprivation can also occur when people intentionally limit the amount they sleep due to personal or work obligations. Additionally, an estimated one in five adults experiences daytime sleepiness, which can be related to sleep deprivation and defined as difficulty maintaining desired wakefulness. Sleep health facts Sleep is vital to our overall health and is linked to many health issues, including memory, concentration, and mental health. Other health conditions associated with poor sleep include: High blood pressure (risk is estimated at five to 20 percent). Type 2 diabetes (risk is about 57 percent). Increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) and coronary heart disease (about 41–55 percent). Imbalance in the hormones that regulate appetite due to blood sugar levels , potentially leading to weight gain and obesity. “ Sleep has a definite impact on mental health and other medical conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. The cardiovascular system is negatively impacted in people with sleep apnea due to fluctuating oxygen levels.” — Rakesh V. Alva , a sleep doctor in Greensboro, North Carolina Practicing good sleep hygiene is just one important component of helping you sleep better. A recent study showed that 76.5 percent of people who reported poor sleep hygiene practices experienced sleep problems like insomnia and daytime sleepiness. An increased incidence of depression was also noted for study participants with poor sleep hygiene. “If you’re looking to improve your mental health, prioritizing sleep should be a top priority for you. Establishing a sleep routine, reducing stimulants like caffeine and screen time, and creating a conducive sleep environment can all contribute to better sleep and improved mental well-being. Remember, the mind and body are closely connected, and taking care of your physical health can have a positive impact on your mental health as well,” says Stephanie Dixon , a health care provider for Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina. But it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep to ensure you don’t have an underlying issue like sleep apnea. “Ultimately, getting adequate rest is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It allows your body to recover, repair, and function optimally, supporting overall well-being,” Dixon says. More Information National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, June 15). How sleep affects your health. Link Crabtree, V. M., & Brimeyer, C. (2014b). Neoplasms and sleep. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 363–367). Link Di, H., Guo, Y., Daghlas, I., Wang, L., Liu, G., Pan, A., Liu, L., & Shan, Z. (2022). Evaluation of sleep habits and disturbances among US adults, 2017-2020. JAMA Network Open , 5 (11), e2240788. Link Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, March 4). Are you getting enough sleep? Link Getting good sleep could add years to your life – American College of Cardiology. (2023, February 22). American College of Cardiology. Link National Institute on Aging. (2020, November 3). A good night’s sleep . Retrieved January 22, 2024 from Link Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 2). Sleep and sleep disorders: Adults . Link Burgard, S. A., & Ailshire, J. A. (2013). Gender and time for sleep among U.S. adults. American Sociological Review , 78 (1), 51–69. Link Patel, A. K., Reddy, V., Shumway, K. R., & Araujo, J. F. (2022). Physiology, sleep stages. StatPearls [Internet] . Link Zhang, Y., Xiao, A., Zheng, T., Xiao, H., & Huang, R. (2022). The relationship between sleeping position and sleep quality: A flexible sensor-based study. Sensors (Basel) , 22 (16), 6220. Link American Psychiatric Association. (2020, August). What are sleep disorders? Retrieved January 24, 2024 from Link Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation. (2006). In National Academies Press eBooks . Link American Medical Association & American Medical Association. (2022, May 13). What doctors wish patients knew about insomnia. American Medical Association . Link What is insomnia? \| NHLBI, NIH . (2022, March 24). NHLBI, NIH. Link Narcolepsy fast facts . Narcolepsy Network. (2024, March 11). Link Narcolepsy . (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Link Mansur, A., Castillo, P. R., Cabrero, F. R., & Bokhari, S. R. A. (2023, February 27). Restless legs Syndrome . StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. Link Restless legs Syndrome . (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Link American Medical Association & American Medical Association. (2022a, April 1). What doctors wish patients knew about sleep apnea. American Medical Association . Link Karna, B., Sankari, A., & Tatikonda, G. (2023, June 11). Sleep disorder . StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. Link Parasomnias . (2022, October 26). Yale Medicine. Link National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24). What is sleep apnea? Link Young, T. (2009, August 1). Burden of sleep apnea: rationale, design, and major findings of the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study . PubMed Central (PMC). Link National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, September 6). Sleep apnea: Treatment Link Knauert, M., Naik, S., Gillespie, M. B., & Kryger, M. (2015). Clinical consequences and economic costs of untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery , 1 (1), 17–27. Link National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24). What are sleep deprivation and deficiency? Link American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2008). Sleep deprivation . Link Young, T. B. (2004). Epidemiology of daytime sleepiness: Definitions, symptomatology, and prevalence. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry , 65 (Suppl 16), 12–16. Link Sleep deprivation in college students, college students and sleep, college students and sleep deprivation. (n.d.-b). Society of Behavioral Medicine. Link Grandner, M. A., Alfonso-Miller, P., Frenandez-Mendoza, J., Shetty, S., Shenoy, S., & Combs, D. (2016). Sleep: Important considerations for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Current Opinion in Cardiology , 31 (5), 551–565. Link The connection between sleep, diabetes, and obesity . (2023, March 13). Yale Medicine. Link Beccuti, G., & Pannain, S. (2011). Sleep and obesity. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care , 14 (4), 402–412. Link National Institutes of Health. (2013, April). Sleep on it: How snoozing strengthens memories . NIH News in Health. Retrieved January 25, 2024 from Link Alhola, P., & Polo-Kantola, P. (2007). Sleep deprivation: Impact on cognitive performance. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment , 3 (5), 553–567. Retrieved January 25, 2024 from Link Help us help others Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges. Please donate today to help us save, support, and change lives. Donate to HelpGuide.org today
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If you sign up for therapy after clicking through from this site, HelpGuide will earn a commission. This helps us continue our nonprofit mission and continue to be there as a free mental health resource for everyone. Need to talk to someone now? [Find a crisis helpline](https://www.helpguide.org/find-help) If you're a BetterHelp therapist with questions about your directory listing, please contact [therapists@betterhelp.com](mailto:therapists@betterhelp.com) Need to talk to someone now? [Find a crisis helpline](https://www.helpguide.org/find-help) [Are You Feeling Suicidal? How to Cope with Thoughts of Suicide](https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/suicide-self-harm/are-you-feeling-suicidal) [![depression-helpline](https://www.helpguide.org/wp-content/plugins/helpguide-core-functionality/assets/images/svg/depression-helpline.svg) Coping with depression Tips for overcoming depression one step at a time](https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/depression/coping-with-depression) [![generalized-helpline](https://www.helpguide.org/wp-content/plugins/helpguide-core-functionality/assets/images/svg/generalized-helpline.svg) Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms, treatment, and self-help for chronic anxiety](https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad) [Sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep) # Sleep Statistics Last updated on February 23, 2026 Learn about how sleep impacts our overall health and well-being. ![Alarm clock resting on a bed side table](https://www.helpguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sleep-Statistics.jpeg) By [Steve Marshall, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN](https://www.helpguide.org/bio/steve-marshall-dnp-msn-bsn-rn), Reviewed by [Joshua Roland, MD, FAASM](https://www.helpguide.org/bio/joshua-roland-md-faasm) - Sleep facts and statistics - Sleep disorder facts - Sleep health facts #### Key takeaways - An estimated 32.8 percent of adults do not get enough sleep, meaning about one-third of the adult population is sleep-deprived. - Roughly 50–70 million people in the United States experience sleep disorders or disturbances. - About one in five (or 20 percent) of people in the United States report feeling sleepy during the day. - Seven to nine hours of sleep are required for a healthy lifestyle. - Poor-quality sleep can negatively impact your mental health and cognitive function and increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes. - Long-term poor sleep can reduce your lifespan by 4.7 years for women and 2.4 years for men. - The most common sleep disorders are insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and sleep apnea. It’s no secret that sleep is essential to our overall well-being. [Getting enough sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need) allows the brain and body to rest and heal from the stress of everyday life and has a [direct impact](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation/health-effects) on our mental and physical health. While long-term sleep loss can have a more profound impact, even minimal sleep can take a toll and [negatively impact](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/excessive-daytime-sleepiness) your productivity, emotions, and creativity. “Chronic [sleep deprivation](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-deprivation) can contribute to depression and anxiety. Sleep disturbances can exacerbate existing mental health conditions,” says [Ryan Sultan](https://www.integrativepsych.nyc/), assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University and medical director of Integrative Psych. “Additionally, sleep deprivation impairs cognitive functions like concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving, which can lead to increased stress and worsened mental health. Sleep-deprived individuals are more susceptible to emotional reactivity, making them more prone to experiencing negative emotions and irritability.” Unfortunately, a [recent analysis](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2798209?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=110822) found that almost 30 percent of adults had trouble falling or staying asleep, and more than 27 percent experienced daytime sleepiness in this sample. Worldwide, lack of sleep is considered a public health epidemic—because sleep is fundamental to our health. ## Sleep facts and statistics How much [sleep we actually need](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need#:~:text=And%20despite%20the%20notion%20that,help%20fill%20in%20the%20gap.) varies depending on age. [Infants require the most sleep](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html#cdc_behavioral_basics_quick-getting-enough-sleep), with a recommended 12–16 hours a day (including naps), and adults over age 18 need seven or more hours a day. While a common misconception is that older adults require less sleep, the National Institute on Aging says that older adults still need [seven to nine hours of sleep](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/good-nights-sleep) each night. Unfortunately, 32.8 percent of adults [report less sleep](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/data-research/facts-stats/adults-sleep-facts-and-stats.html) than is recommended, with 32.2 percent of adult females reporting inadequate sleep compared to 33.4 percent of males. [Studies](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4164903/) have also shown that women reported sleeping more than men. However, the differences found were typically less than 30 minutes. Over time, poor sleep [can reduce lifespan](https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2023/02/22/21/35/Getting-Good-Sleep-Could-Add-Years-to-Your-Life) by 4.7 years for women and 2.4 years for men. [Sleeping positions](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-positions-and-sleep-quality) vary from person to person, and many people move around throughout the night. Preferences include back (supine), stomach (prone), side sleeping on the left, and side sleeping on the right. An [interesting study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9416198/) was published in 2022 examining the effects of position on sleep quality. Researchers discovered that subjects who preferred to sleep on their right side (15 percent) reported the highest quality sleep, followed by left-side sleepers (31 percent), and then back sleepers (54%). But sleep position is highly subjective and more research is needed to support this finding. However, your mattress can impact comfort, so if you’re experiencing discomfort at night, you may want to ensure you have one that’s right for your preferred sleeping position and body type. #### Speak to a Licensed Therapist BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. [Take Assessment](https://hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com/aff_c?offer_id=2&aff_id=2729&source=helpguide) HelpGuide is user supported. We earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site. [Learn more](https://www.helpguide.org/affiliate-disclosure) ## Sleep disorder facts [Sleep disorders](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-disorders-and-problems) occur when there are problems with the quality, timing, or amount of sleep that interfere with daytime functioning. Sometimes referred to as sleep-wake disorders, these conditions also result in additional stress and can be linked to medical and emotional problems, including overall mental health. It’s estimated that [50–70 million Americans](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20669438/) experience ongoing sleep disorders. The [most common](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/#cdc_behavioral_basics_outcomes-sleep-disorders) sleep disorders are: - Insomnia: Affecting roughly [25–30 million people](https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-insomnia) in the United States at any given time, people with [insomnia](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/insomnia-causes-and-cures) may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep. - Narcolepsy: An estimated [200,000 people in the United States](https://narcolepsynetwork.org/about-narcolepsy/narcolepsy-fast-facts/#:~:text=Narcolepsy%20affects%20an%20estimated%201,diagnosed%20and%20are%20receiving%20treatment.) have narcolepsy (one in every 2,000 people), which is a neurological disorder where the brain is unable to regulate sleep-wake cycles. People with [narcolepsy](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/narcolepsy) may fall asleep during the middle of activities and experience muscle weakness. - Restless legs syndrome (RLS): More than [three million cases](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430878/) of RLS occur annually in the United States. This [neurological disorder](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/restless-leg-syndrome-rls) causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them. It’s considered a sleep disorder because the strongest urges come at night and can make it hard to fall or stay asleep. - Sleep apnea: Roughly [30 million people](https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea#:~:text=About%2030%20million%20people%20in,are%20diagnosed%20with%20the%20condition.) in the United States have sleep apnea, but only six million are diagnosed. Other less common sleep disorders include: - Circadian rhythm sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. An example of this is shift-work sleep disorder, where a person’s biological clock is thrown off by their work schedule. - Parasomnia includes behaviors like sleepwalking, night terrors, [sleep paralysis](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-paralysis-causes-symptoms-and-treatment), and nightmares. [Someone with parasomnia](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/parasomnias-types-causes-and-symptoms) may seem alert, and they might even walk, eat, and talk, but their brain is unaware. ### Sleep apnea facts [Sleep apnea](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-apnea) is when you have trouble moving enough air in and out of your body during sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your upper airway becomes blocked, preventing airflow. Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when signals from the brain that stimulate breathing are interrupted. Central sleep apnea has been associated with heart disorders, strokes, and opioid pain medication use. Approximately [15 percent](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2858234/) of people in the United States experience sleep apnea. Obesity, being assigned male at birth, age, and family history are some of the major risk factors for sleep apnea. If you’re excessively sleepy during the day or someone tells you that you snore or gasp during sleep, you may be experiencing sleep apnea. ### Sleep deprivation facts [Sleep deprivation](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-deprivation) occurs when you don’t get enough sleep. Causes of sleep deficiency include poor quality of sleep and sleeping during the day. You may experience sleep deprivation [as a result](https://aasm.org/resources/factsheets/sleepdeprivation.pdf) of sleep disorders like sleep apnea, medication side effects, and the use of caffeine or other stimulants. Sleep deprivation can also occur when people intentionally limit the amount they sleep due to personal or work obligations. Additionally, an estimated [one in five adults](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15575799/) experiences daytime sleepiness, which can be related to sleep deprivation and defined as difficulty maintaining desired wakefulness. ## Sleep health facts Sleep is vital to our overall health and is linked to many health issues, including memory, concentration, and mental health. Other health conditions [associated with poor sleep](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5056590/) include: - High blood pressure (risk is estimated at five to 20 percent). - Type 2 diabetes (risk is about 57 percent). - Increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) and coronary heart disease (about 41–55 percent). - [Imbalance in the hormones that regulate appetite](https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/sleep-diabetes-and-obesity) due to [blood sugar levels](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3632337/), potentially leading to weight gain and obesity. “[Sleep has a definite impact on mental health](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-and-mental-health) and other medical conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. The cardiovascular system is negatively impacted in people with sleep apnea due to fluctuating oxygen levels.” — [Rakesh V. Alva](https://www.conehealth.com/find-a-doctor/doctor-profile/rakesh-alva/), a sleep doctor in Greensboro, North Carolina Practicing good sleep hygiene is just one important component of helping you sleep better. A recent study showed that [76\.5 percent of people](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10105495/#:~:text=p%20%3C%200.001\).-,The%20percentage%20of%20subjects%20who%20had%20problems%20sleeping%20during%20the,practices%20\(p%20%3D%200.001) who reported poor sleep hygiene practices experienced sleep problems like insomnia and daytime sleepiness. An increased incidence of depression was also noted for study participants with poor sleep hygiene. “If you’re looking to improve your mental health, prioritizing sleep should be a top priority for you. Establishing a sleep routine, reducing stimulants like caffeine and screen time, and creating a conducive sleep environment can all contribute to better sleep and improved mental well-being. Remember, the mind and body are closely connected, and taking care of your physical health can have a positive impact on your mental health as well,” says [Stephanie Dixon](https://www.conehealth.com/find-a-doctor/doctor-profile/stephanie-dixon/), a health care provider for Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina. But it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep to ensure you don’t have an underlying issue like sleep apnea. “Ultimately, getting adequate rest is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It allows your body to recover, repair, and function optimally, supporting overall well-being,” Dixon says. ## More Information References 1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, June 15). How sleep affects your health. [Link](https://nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation/health-effects) 2. Crabtree, V. M., & Brimeyer, C. (2014b). Neoplasms and sleep. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 363–367). [Link](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455703180000450?via%3Dihub) 3. Di, H., Guo, Y., Daghlas, I., Wang, L., Liu, G., Pan, A., Liu, L., & Shan, Z. (2022). Evaluation of sleep habits and disturbances among US adults, 2017-2020. JAMA Network Open, 5(11), e2240788. [Link](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2798209) 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, March 4). Are you getting enough sleep? [Link](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html#cdc_behavioral_basics_quick-getting-enough-sleep) 5. Getting good sleep could add years to your life – American College of Cardiology. (2023, February 22). American College of Cardiology. [Link](https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2023/02/22/21/35/Getting-Good-Sleep-Could-Add-Years-to-Your-Life) 6. National Institute on Aging. (2020, November 3). A good night’s sleep. Retrieved January 22, 2024 from [Link](https://nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/good-nights-sleep) 7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 2). Sleep and sleep disorders: Adults. [Link](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/#cdc_behavioral_basics_outcomes-sleep-disorders) 8. Burgard, S. A., & Ailshire, J. A. (2013). Gender and time for sleep among U.S. adults. American Sociological Review, 78(1), 51–69. [Link](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0003122412472048) 9. Patel, A. K., Reddy, V., Shumway, K. R., & Araujo, J. F. (2022). Physiology, sleep stages. StatPearls \[Internet\]. [Link](https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526132) 10. Zhang, Y., Xiao, A., Zheng, T., Xiao, H., & Huang, R. (2022). The relationship between sleeping position and sleep quality: A flexible sensor-based study. Sensors (Basel), 22(16), 6220. [Link](https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/16/6220) 11. American Psychiatric Association. (2020, August). What are sleep disorders? Retrieved January 24, 2024 from [Link](https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/sleep-disorders/what-are-sleep-disorders) 12. Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation. (2006). In National Academies Press eBooks. [Link](https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/11617/sleep-disorders-and-sleep-deprivation-an-unmet-public-health-problem) 13. American Medical Association & American Medical Association. (2022, May 13). What doctors wish patients knew about insomnia. American Medical Association. [Link](https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-insomnia) 14. What is insomnia? \\| NHLBI, NIH. (2022, March 24). NHLBI, NIH. [Link](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia) 15. Narcolepsy fast facts. Narcolepsy Network. (2024, March 11). [Link](https://narcolepsynetwork.org/about-narcolepsy/narcolepsy-fast-facts) 16. Narcolepsy. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Link](https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/narcolepsy) 17. Mansur, A., Castillo, P. R., Cabrero, F. R., & Bokhari, S. R. A. (2023, February 27). Restless legs Syndrome. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. [Link](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430878) 18. Restless legs Syndrome. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Link](https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome) 19. American Medical Association & American Medical Association. (2022a, April 1). What doctors wish patients knew about sleep apnea. American Medical Association. [Link](https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea) 20. Karna, B., Sankari, A., & Tatikonda, G. (2023, June 11). Sleep disorder. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. [Link](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560720/) 21. Parasomnias. (2022, October 26). Yale Medicine. [Link](https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/parasomnias) 22. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24). What is sleep apnea? [Link](https://nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea) 23. Young, T. (2009, August 1). Burden of sleep apnea: rationale, design, and major findings of the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study. PubMed Central (PMC). [Link](https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2858234) 24. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, September 6). Sleep apnea: Treatment [Link](https://nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea/treatment) 25. Knauert, M., Naik, S., Gillespie, M. B., & Kryger, M. (2015). Clinical consequences and economic costs of untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 1(1), 17–27. [Link](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1016/j.wjorl.2015.08.001) 26. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24). What are sleep deprivation and deficiency? [Link](https://nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation) 27. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2008). Sleep deprivation. [Link](https://aasm.org/resources/factsheets/sleepdeprivation.pdf) 28. Young, T. B. (2004). Epidemiology of daytime sleepiness: Definitions, symptomatology, and prevalence. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 65(Suppl 16), 12–16. [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15575799/) 29. Sleep deprivation in college students, college students and sleep, college students and sleep deprivation. (n.d.-b). Society of Behavioral Medicine. [Link](https://www.sbm.org/healthy-living/sleep-better-feel-better-preventing-sleep-deprivation-in-college-students) 30. Grandner, M. A., Alfonso-Miller, P., Frenandez-Mendoza, J., Shetty, S., Shenoy, S., & Combs, D. (2016). Sleep: Important considerations for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Current Opinion in Cardiology, 31(5), 551–565. [Link](https://journals.lww.com/co-cardiology/abstract/2016/09000/sleep__important_considerations_for_the_prevention.12.aspx) 31. The connection between sleep, diabetes, and obesity. (2023, March 13). Yale Medicine. [Link](https://yalemedicine.org/news/sleep-diabetes-and-obesity) 32. Beccuti, G., & Pannain, S. (2011). Sleep and obesity. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 14(4), 402–412. [Link](https://journals.lww.com/co-clinicalnutrition/abstract/2011/07000/sleep_and_obesity.16.aspx) 33. National Institutes of Health. (2013, April). Sleep on it: How snoozing strengthens memories. NIH News in Health. Retrieved January 25, 2024 from [Link](https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/04/sleep-it) 34. Alhola, P., & Polo-Kantola, P. (2007). Sleep deprivation: Impact on cognitive performance. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 3(5), 553–567. Retrieved January 25, 2024 from [Link](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2656292) [Copy Link](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-statistics) Link copied\! Share Print Download PDF ## More in Sleep [Sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep) ### [How Much Sleep Do You Need?](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need) Exploring your sleep needs and the different stages of sleep [![Hand reaches out to touch a glowing sunrise alarm clock on a bedside table as someone sleeps in the background.](https://www.helpguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/How-Much-Sleep-Do-You-Need-384x255.jpeg)](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need) [Sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep) ### [Sleep Disorders and Problems](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-disorders-and-problems) Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment for common sleep problems [![Silhouette of a person with long hair looking at a small, bright moon in a dark blue twilight sky.](https://www.helpguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Sleep-Disorders-384x216.jpeg)](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-disorders-and-problems) [Sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep) ### [The Stages of Sleep: REM and Non-REM Sleep Cycles](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/stages-of-sleep) Circadian rhythms, sleep stages, and sleep architecture [![Close-up of an EEG printout showing brain wave activity across multiple horizontal lines.](https://www.helpguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Science-of-Sleep-384x256.jpeg)](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/stages-of-sleep) [Sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep) ### [Sleep and Mental Health](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-and-mental-health) How they’re closely connected [![A woman is seated rigidly on the edge of a bed after a restless night, staring at a window, illustrating the link between sleep and mental health.](https://www.helpguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Sleep-and-Mental-Health-384x256.png)](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-and-mental-health) [Sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep) ### [Sleeping Positions and Sleep Quality](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-positions-and-sleep-quality) How sleep position can impact how well you rest [![A man and woman sleep side by side in a cosy, comfortable bed, illustrating how sleeping positions can affect sleep quality.](https://www.helpguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/How-Sleeping-Positions-Can-Affect-Sleep-Quality-384x255.jpg)](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-positions-and-sleep-quality) [Sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep) ### [The Connection Between Sleep and ADHD](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/adhd-and-sleep) How sleep impacts ADHD [![A woman struggles to sleep in a cozy bed, surrounded by soft pillows and blankets, illustrating the connection between sleep and ADHD.](https://www.helpguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/The-Connection-Between-Sleep-and-ADHD-384x258.jpg)](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/adhd-and-sleep) [Sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep) ### [Parasomnias](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/parasomnias-types-causes-and-symptoms) Types, causes, and symptoms [![A man standing in front of a cloud-filled doorway.](https://www.helpguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Parasomnias-Types-Causes-And-Symptoms-384x256.jpg)](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/parasomnias-types-causes-and-symptoms) [Sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep) ### [Sleep Deprivation](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-deprivation) How lack of sleep can damage your health [![Three white espresso and coffee cups with saucers in small, medium, and large sizes on a wooden shelf.](https://www.helpguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Sleep-Deprivation-384x256.jpeg)](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-deprivation) Share Download PDF ### More in Sleep [Sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep) ### [How Much Sleep Do You Need?](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need) Exploring your sleep needs and the different stages of sleep [Sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep) ### [Sleep Disorders and Problems](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-disorders-and-problems) Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment for common sleep problems [Sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep) ### [The Stages of Sleep: REM and Non-REM Sleep Cycles](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/stages-of-sleep) Circadian rhythms, sleep stages, and sleep architecture ![](https://www.helpguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/therapy-sidebar-384x229.jpg) #### Professional therapy, done online BetterHelp makes starting therapy easy. 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Readable Markdown	[Sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep) Last updated on February 23, 2026 Learn about how sleep impacts our overall health and well-being. ![Alarm clock resting on a bed side table](https://www.helpguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sleep-Statistics.jpeg) #### Key takeaways - An estimated 32.8 percent of adults do not get enough sleep, meaning about one-third of the adult population is sleep-deprived. - Roughly 50–70 million people in the United States experience sleep disorders or disturbances. - About one in five (or 20 percent) of people in the United States report feeling sleepy during the day. - Seven to nine hours of sleep are required for a healthy lifestyle. - Poor-quality sleep can negatively impact your mental health and cognitive function and increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes. - Long-term poor sleep can reduce your lifespan by 4.7 years for women and 2.4 years for men. - The most common sleep disorders are insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and sleep apnea. It’s no secret that sleep is essential to our overall well-being. [Getting enough sleep](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need) allows the brain and body to rest and heal from the stress of everyday life and has a [direct impact](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation/health-effects) on our mental and physical health. While long-term sleep loss can have a more profound impact, even minimal sleep can take a toll and [negatively impact](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/excessive-daytime-sleepiness) your productivity, emotions, and creativity. “Chronic [sleep deprivation](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-deprivation) can contribute to depression and anxiety. Sleep disturbances can exacerbate existing mental health conditions,” says [Ryan Sultan](https://www.integrativepsych.nyc/), assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University and medical director of Integrative Psych. “Additionally, sleep deprivation impairs cognitive functions like concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving, which can lead to increased stress and worsened mental health. Sleep-deprived individuals are more susceptible to emotional reactivity, making them more prone to experiencing negative emotions and irritability.” Unfortunately, a [recent analysis](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2798209?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=110822) found that almost 30 percent of adults had trouble falling or staying asleep, and more than 27 percent experienced daytime sleepiness in this sample. Worldwide, lack of sleep is considered a public health epidemic—because sleep is fundamental to our health. ## Sleep facts and statistics How much [sleep we actually need](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need#:~:text=And%20despite%20the%20notion%20that,help%20fill%20in%20the%20gap.) varies depending on age. [Infants require the most sleep](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html#cdc_behavioral_basics_quick-getting-enough-sleep), with a recommended 12–16 hours a day (including naps), and adults over age 18 need seven or more hours a day. While a common misconception is that older adults require less sleep, the National Institute on Aging says that older adults still need [seven to nine hours of sleep](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/good-nights-sleep) each night. Unfortunately, 32.8 percent of adults [report less sleep](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/data-research/facts-stats/adults-sleep-facts-and-stats.html) than is recommended, with 32.2 percent of adult females reporting inadequate sleep compared to 33.4 percent of males. [Studies](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4164903/) have also shown that women reported sleeping more than men. However, the differences found were typically less than 30 minutes. Over time, poor sleep [can reduce lifespan](https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2023/02/22/21/35/Getting-Good-Sleep-Could-Add-Years-to-Your-Life) by 4.7 years for women and 2.4 years for men. [Sleeping positions](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-positions-and-sleep-quality) vary from person to person, and many people move around throughout the night. Preferences include back (supine), stomach (prone), side sleeping on the left, and side sleeping on the right. An [interesting study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9416198/) was published in 2022 examining the effects of position on sleep quality. Researchers discovered that subjects who preferred to sleep on their right side (15 percent) reported the highest quality sleep, followed by left-side sleepers (31 percent), and then back sleepers (54%). But sleep position is highly subjective and more research is needed to support this finding. However, your mattress can impact comfort, so if you’re experiencing discomfort at night, you may want to ensure you have one that’s right for your preferred sleeping position and body type. #### Speak to a Licensed Therapist BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. [Take Assessment](https://hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com/aff_c?offer_id=2&aff_id=2729&source=helpguide) HelpGuide is user supported. We earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site. [Learn more](https://www.helpguide.org/affiliate-disclosure) ## Sleep disorder facts [Sleep disorders](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-disorders-and-problems) occur when there are problems with the quality, timing, or amount of sleep that interfere with daytime functioning. Sometimes referred to as sleep-wake disorders, these conditions also result in additional stress and can be linked to medical and emotional problems, including overall mental health. It’s estimated that [50–70 million Americans](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20669438/) experience ongoing sleep disorders. The [most common](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/#cdc_behavioral_basics_outcomes-sleep-disorders) sleep disorders are: - Insomnia: Affecting roughly [25–30 million people](https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-insomnia) in the United States at any given time, people with [insomnia](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/insomnia-causes-and-cures) may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep. - Narcolepsy: An estimated [200,000 people in the United States](https://narcolepsynetwork.org/about-narcolepsy/narcolepsy-fast-facts/#:~:text=Narcolepsy%20affects%20an%20estimated%201,diagnosed%20and%20are%20receiving%20treatment.) have narcolepsy (one in every 2,000 people), which is a neurological disorder where the brain is unable to regulate sleep-wake cycles. People with [narcolepsy](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/narcolepsy) may fall asleep during the middle of activities and experience muscle weakness. - Restless legs syndrome (RLS): More than [three million cases](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430878/) of RLS occur annually in the United States. This [neurological disorder](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/restless-leg-syndrome-rls) causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them. It’s considered a sleep disorder because the strongest urges come at night and can make it hard to fall or stay asleep. - Sleep apnea: Roughly [30 million people](https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea#:~:text=About%2030%20million%20people%20in,are%20diagnosed%20with%20the%20condition.) in the United States have sleep apnea, but only six million are diagnosed. Other less common sleep disorders include: - Circadian rhythm sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. An example of this is shift-work sleep disorder, where a person’s biological clock is thrown off by their work schedule. - Parasomnia includes behaviors like sleepwalking, night terrors, [sleep paralysis](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-paralysis-causes-symptoms-and-treatment), and nightmares. [Someone with parasomnia](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/parasomnias-types-causes-and-symptoms) may seem alert, and they might even walk, eat, and talk, but their brain is unaware. ### Sleep apnea facts [Sleep apnea](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-apnea) is when you have trouble moving enough air in and out of your body during sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your upper airway becomes blocked, preventing airflow. Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when signals from the brain that stimulate breathing are interrupted. Central sleep apnea has been associated with heart disorders, strokes, and opioid pain medication use. Approximately [15 percent](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2858234/) of people in the United States experience sleep apnea. Obesity, being assigned male at birth, age, and family history are some of the major risk factors for sleep apnea. If you’re excessively sleepy during the day or someone tells you that you snore or gasp during sleep, you may be experiencing sleep apnea. ### Sleep deprivation facts [Sleep deprivation](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-deprivation) occurs when you don’t get enough sleep. Causes of sleep deficiency include poor quality of sleep and sleeping during the day. You may experience sleep deprivation [as a result](https://aasm.org/resources/factsheets/sleepdeprivation.pdf) of sleep disorders like sleep apnea, medication side effects, and the use of caffeine or other stimulants. Sleep deprivation can also occur when people intentionally limit the amount they sleep due to personal or work obligations. Additionally, an estimated [one in five adults](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15575799/) experiences daytime sleepiness, which can be related to sleep deprivation and defined as difficulty maintaining desired wakefulness. ## Sleep health facts Sleep is vital to our overall health and is linked to many health issues, including memory, concentration, and mental health. Other health conditions [associated with poor sleep](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5056590/) include: - High blood pressure (risk is estimated at five to 20 percent). - Type 2 diabetes (risk is about 57 percent). - Increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) and coronary heart disease (about 41–55 percent). - [Imbalance in the hormones that regulate appetite](https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/sleep-diabetes-and-obesity) due to [blood sugar levels](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3632337/), potentially leading to weight gain and obesity. “[Sleep has a definite impact on mental health](https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/sleep/sleep-and-mental-health) and other medical conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. The cardiovascular system is negatively impacted in people with sleep apnea due to fluctuating oxygen levels.” — [Rakesh V. Alva](https://www.conehealth.com/find-a-doctor/doctor-profile/rakesh-alva/), a sleep doctor in Greensboro, North Carolina Practicing good sleep hygiene is just one important component of helping you sleep better. A recent study showed that [76\.5 percent of people](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10105495/#:~:text=p%20%3C%200.001\).-,The%20percentage%20of%20subjects%20who%20had%20problems%20sleeping%20during%20the,practices%20\(p%20%3D%200.001) who reported poor sleep hygiene practices experienced sleep problems like insomnia and daytime sleepiness. An increased incidence of depression was also noted for study participants with poor sleep hygiene. “If you’re looking to improve your mental health, prioritizing sleep should be a top priority for you. Establishing a sleep routine, reducing stimulants like caffeine and screen time, and creating a conducive sleep environment can all contribute to better sleep and improved mental well-being. Remember, the mind and body are closely connected, and taking care of your physical health can have a positive impact on your mental health as well,” says [Stephanie Dixon](https://www.conehealth.com/find-a-doctor/doctor-profile/stephanie-dixon/), a health care provider for Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina. But it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep to ensure you don’t have an underlying issue like sleep apnea. “Ultimately, getting adequate rest is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It allows your body to recover, repair, and function optimally, supporting overall well-being,” Dixon says. ## More Information 1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, June 15). How sleep affects your health. [Link](https://nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation/health-effects) 2. Crabtree, V. M., & Brimeyer, C. (2014b). Neoplasms and sleep. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 363–367). [Link](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455703180000450?via%3Dihub) 3. Di, H., Guo, Y., Daghlas, I., Wang, L., Liu, G., Pan, A., Liu, L., & Shan, Z. (2022). Evaluation of sleep habits and disturbances among US adults, 2017-2020. JAMA Network Open, 5(11), e2240788. [Link](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2798209) 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, March 4). Are you getting enough sleep? [Link](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html#cdc_behavioral_basics_quick-getting-enough-sleep) 5. Getting good sleep could add years to your life – American College of Cardiology. (2023, February 22). American College of Cardiology. [Link](https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2023/02/22/21/35/Getting-Good-Sleep-Could-Add-Years-to-Your-Life) 6. National Institute on Aging. (2020, November 3). A good night’s sleep. Retrieved January 22, 2024 from [Link](https://nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/good-nights-sleep) 7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 2). Sleep and sleep disorders: Adults. [Link](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/#cdc_behavioral_basics_outcomes-sleep-disorders) 8. Burgard, S. A., & Ailshire, J. A. (2013). Gender and time for sleep among U.S. adults. American Sociological Review, 78(1), 51–69. [Link](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0003122412472048) 9. Patel, A. K., Reddy, V., Shumway, K. R., & Araujo, J. F. (2022). Physiology, sleep stages. StatPearls \[Internet\]. [Link](https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526132) 10. Zhang, Y., Xiao, A., Zheng, T., Xiao, H., & Huang, R. (2022). The relationship between sleeping position and sleep quality: A flexible sensor-based study. Sensors (Basel), 22(16), 6220. [Link](https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/16/6220) 11. American Psychiatric Association. (2020, August). What are sleep disorders? Retrieved January 24, 2024 from [Link](https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/sleep-disorders/what-are-sleep-disorders) 12. Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation. (2006). In National Academies Press eBooks. [Link](https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/11617/sleep-disorders-and-sleep-deprivation-an-unmet-public-health-problem) 13. American Medical Association & American Medical Association. (2022, May 13). What doctors wish patients knew about insomnia. American Medical Association. [Link](https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-insomnia) 14. What is insomnia? \\| NHLBI, NIH. (2022, March 24). NHLBI, NIH. [Link](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia) 15. Narcolepsy fast facts. Narcolepsy Network. (2024, March 11). [Link](https://narcolepsynetwork.org/about-narcolepsy/narcolepsy-fast-facts) 16. Narcolepsy. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Link](https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/narcolepsy) 17. Mansur, A., Castillo, P. R., Cabrero, F. R., & Bokhari, S. R. A. (2023, February 27). Restless legs Syndrome. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. [Link](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430878) 18. Restless legs Syndrome. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Link](https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome) 19. American Medical Association & American Medical Association. (2022a, April 1). What doctors wish patients knew about sleep apnea. American Medical Association. [Link](https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea) 20. Karna, B., Sankari, A., & Tatikonda, G. (2023, June 11). Sleep disorder. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. [Link](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560720/) 21. Parasomnias. (2022, October 26). Yale Medicine. [Link](https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/parasomnias) 22. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24). What is sleep apnea? [Link](https://nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea) 23. Young, T. (2009, August 1). Burden of sleep apnea: rationale, design, and major findings of the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study. PubMed Central (PMC). [Link](https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2858234) 24. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, September 6). Sleep apnea: Treatment [Link](https://nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea/treatment) 25. Knauert, M., Naik, S., Gillespie, M. B., & Kryger, M. (2015). Clinical consequences and economic costs of untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 1(1), 17–27. [Link](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1016/j.wjorl.2015.08.001) 26. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24). What are sleep deprivation and deficiency? [Link](https://nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation) 27. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2008). Sleep deprivation. [Link](https://aasm.org/resources/factsheets/sleepdeprivation.pdf) 28. Young, T. B. (2004). Epidemiology of daytime sleepiness: Definitions, symptomatology, and prevalence. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 65(Suppl 16), 12–16. [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15575799/) 29. Sleep deprivation in college students, college students and sleep, college students and sleep deprivation. (n.d.-b). Society of Behavioral Medicine. [Link](https://www.sbm.org/healthy-living/sleep-better-feel-better-preventing-sleep-deprivation-in-college-students) 30. Grandner, M. A., Alfonso-Miller, P., Frenandez-Mendoza, J., Shetty, S., Shenoy, S., & Combs, D. (2016). Sleep: Important considerations for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Current Opinion in Cardiology, 31(5), 551–565. [Link](https://journals.lww.com/co-cardiology/abstract/2016/09000/sleep__important_considerations_for_the_prevention.12.aspx) 31. The connection between sleep, diabetes, and obesity. (2023, March 13). Yale Medicine. [Link](https://yalemedicine.org/news/sleep-diabetes-and-obesity) 32. Beccuti, G., & Pannain, S. (2011). Sleep and obesity. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 14(4), 402–412. [Link](https://journals.lww.com/co-clinicalnutrition/abstract/2011/07000/sleep_and_obesity.16.aspx) 33. National Institutes of Health. (2013, April). Sleep on it: How snoozing strengthens memories. NIH News in Health. Retrieved January 25, 2024 from [Link](https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/04/sleep-it) 34. Alhola, P., & Polo-Kantola, P. (2007). Sleep deprivation: Impact on cognitive performance. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 3(5), 553–567. Retrieved January 25, 2024 from [Link](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2656292) ## Help us help others Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges. Please donate today to help us save, support, and change lives. [Donate to HelpGuide.org today](https://give.helpguide.org/give/581002/#!/donation/checkout)
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