Summary: A new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) reveals that 82% of Americans report that daytime sleepiness negatively impacts at least one area of their life, including work productivity, mental health, and relationships. Additionally, 54% of respondents believe they do not get enough sleep. The AASM stresses the importance of sufficient, quality sleep and encourages healthy sleep habits to address this widespread issue.
Three Key Takeaways:
- Widespread Impact of Sleepiness: The survey found that 82% of Americans experience negative effects from daytime sleepiness, with productivity and mental health being the most affected areas.
- Work and Memory Suffer: Nearly half (47%) of respondents report that sleepiness reduces their productivity, and one-third (34%) say it negatively affects their memory and mental recall.
- Importance of Healthy Sleep: The AASM emphasizes that sufficient sleep is essential for overall well-being and recommends that adults sleep seven or more hours per night while maintaining consistent sleep habits.
A new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine reveals the significant impact of daytime sleepiness on the daily lives of Americans, with nearly eight in 10 (82%) respondents reporting that it negatively impacts at least one area of their life. In addition, half (54%) of Americans believe they usually get too little sleep.
“Daytime sleepiness is more than just an inconvenience. It can affect our ability to function our best, impacting everything from work productivity to personal relationships,” says Alexandre Abreu, MD, sleep medicine physician and AASM spokesperson, in a release. “Recognizing the importance of sufficient, quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being.”
Impact of Daytime Sleepiness
According to the survey, 47% of respondents report that sleepiness negatively impacts their productivity, making it challenging to stay focused and complete tasks efficiently. Additionally, 31% of people say that their quality of work suffers due to sleepiness, with men being 13% more likely than women to report a decline in work performance.
The impact of sleepiness extends beyond productivity, affecting mental health and personal relationships. Over one-third (38%) of Americans report that daytime sleepiness negatively impacts their mental health, and 24% of people say it impacts their relationships with friends and family.
Additionally, one-third (34%) of Americans say that daytime sleepiness negatively impacts their memory and mental recall, and 16% of respondents report that their reaction time while driving is negatively impacted as well.
Importance of Healthy Sleep
“These statistics paint a clear picture of the widespread impact of daytime sleepiness,” says Abreu in a release. “It’s crucial for individuals to recognize the importance of healthy sleep and seek help if they are struggling to sleep well on a regular basis.”
To prevent daytime sleepiness, the AASM recommends that adults should sleep seven or more hours per night on a regular basis. The AASM also encourages healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a restful sleep environment, and addressing any underlying sleep disorders with the help of a health care professional, who may refer you to an AASM-accredited sleep center.
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