The battle for a good night’s sleep is one that many Americans face daily. In an age of ever-growing stress and near-constant technological stimulation, it’s no surprise that some of us are losing the battle.
A recent survey of 1,000 U.S. adults by Talker Research for Newsweek has revealed the most common culprits behind sleepless nights: stress, insomnia, and, perhaps most telling of all, the glowing screens of our phones and TVs.
Among the most striking findings is the universal presence of general stress, which topped the list of sleep disruptors for 23 percent of all respondents.
More From Newsweek Vault: Find Expert Guidance For Every Step Of Your Financial Journey
After that came the sleep disorder insomnia, with 17 percent reporting suffering, and staying up to watch TV or movies, cited by 14 percent.
Another striking factor contributing to sleep loss was scrolling on phones—something most prominent among younger generations with 19 percent of Gen Z (born between 1996 and 2012) citing it as the main reason they can’t get to sleep.
More From Newsweek Vault: Online Banks vs. Traditional Banks: Learn the Differences
Lauri Leadley, Founder and Sleep Educator at Valley Sleep Center, said the impact of not getting enough sleep is bigger than just feeling a little tired—it’s an all-over health requirement.
“We all know that sleep is vital to your health, and good sleep is essential in keeping you healthy and mentally sharp,” Leadley told Newsweek. “When you consider that sleep plays an essential role in cell regeneration, learning ability, concentration, and memory storage, it’s clear that sleep—good, quality sleep—boosts mood and health. Your brain and body undergo biological functions during sleep that happen only during sleep. This includes the clearance of toxic waste products that accumulate in the brain.”
But when stress keeps us up, she explains, the brain can’t complete this critical function: “If stress is keeping you up at night, you’re having trouble turning off your mind—your brain isn’t clearing out that toxicity.”
More From Newsweek Vault: Rates Are Still High for These High-Yield Savings Accounts
Photo Illustration by Newsweek/Getty Images
In the top five reasons Americans are struggling to sleep, screens factor in twice, whether it’s watching the TV or scrolling on a phone.
It is unsurprising that screens play a role as excessive engagement in digital screens, particularly late at night, has been shown to affect sleep by disrupting circadian rhythms. The blue light emitted from screens suppresses melatonin, the hormone responsible for making us feel sleepy. The result: an inability to wind down at night, despite exhaustion.
So how can Americans reclaim their sleep? Leadley offers practical advice: “Make shutting down the phone part of your sleep routine. Turn it off, or at least switch it to ‘Do Not Disturb.’ Charge it in another room, not by your bedside. Instead of watching TV right before bed, try reading, journaling, using a sleep app, or listening to calming music or white noise,” she said.
For younger generations, reducing screen time and managing the stress that comes with modern life may be key. For older generations, creating a peaceful, technology-free environment before bed may help restore the sleep they need.
