About one in three American adults don’t get the recommended seven hours of sleep each night, federal health data shows. A recent survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) identified six common factors that disrupt rest, most linked to stress.
The survey included over 2,000 adults and asked about sleep habits and obstacles. Family responsibilities had a major or moderate impact on sleep for nearly half of respondents. Work stress (39%), housing costs (36%), and irregular work schedules (35%) were also significant.
Health problems add to the burden
Physical health issues affected sleep for 39% of those surveyed, while 37% pointed to mental health challenges. Sleep specialists explain these factors don’t operate identically. Shift work, for instance, can disrupt the body’s internal clock, whereas chronic pain may cause frequent waking.
“Many Americans view sleep as optional, putting work and family ahead of rest,” said Beth Malow, chief of the Division of Sleep Disorders at Vanderbilt Health. That choice can become routine, even when it harms health over time.
David Kuhlmann, a sleep medicine physician and AASM spokesperson, emphasized stress as a key factor. “Whether it’s bills, family demands, or health concerns, these worries keep the brain active, making it harder to fall or stay asleep,” he said. “Sleep depends on daily life, physical health, and mental well-being.”
The effects of chronic sleep deprivation go beyond tiredness. The CDC connects insufficient sleep to weakened immunity and higher risks of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, anxiety, and depression.
“Consistent, high-quality sleep supports every organ system,” said W. Christopher Winter, a board-certified sleep researcher and author of The Sleep Solution. “Without it, the body deteriorates over time.” Even brief awakenings that interrupt deep rest can leave people exhausted the next day.
Malow described the experience as being startled awake during deep sleep. “You might return to sleep quickly, but you’ve missed critical restorative stages,” she explained.
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For those managing multiple stressors, reaching that goal can seem out of reach. Winter recognized the difficulty: “People face real pressures—long hours, financial strain, caregiving. Sleep is often the first thing they give up.”
Experts suggest small adjustments to improve rest. The AASM advises delegating tasks when possible, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and setting aside 30 to 60 minutes before bed to relax without screens or work. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding late-day caffeine also help.
Kuhlmann recommended addressing underlying mental health concerns through therapy or medical care. “Persistent sleep problems shouldn’t be ignored,” he said. “Solutions exist.”
Simple habits—like keeping bedrooms cool, dark, and quiet, and avoiding heavy meals or alcohol before bed—can also improve sleep. If problems continue, experts advise consulting a healthcare provider or accredited sleep center. “Sleep isn’t optional,” Malow said. “It’s essential.”
The survey didn’t examine how these factors combine in daily life. Someone worried about housing costs might also work irregular shifts, increasing strain. Yet even small improvements, like gaining an extra hour of sleep or reducing pre-bedtime stress, could make a difference.
For now, the findings are clear: sleep is often the first thing people sacrifice when life becomes difficult. The long-term consequences may be greater than many expect.
Those struggling with persistent sleep issues might also find practical solutions in expert advice on managing home disruptions that interfere with rest.
