Sleep is critical to maintaining both mental and physical health, and there is mounting scientific research that it might be even more important than you realize. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States has declared insufficient sleep a public health problem linked with many chronic conditions that decrease longevity, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression.
Our analysis indicates a strong correlation between higher education levels and improved sleep quality across all age groups. However, disparities exist in sleep quality among different demographic groups. For instance, Black Americans, on average, experience poorer sleep quality compared to other groups in our sample. In contrast, White and Asian individuals tend to have better sleep quality than other racial and ethnic groups. Additionally, marital status appears to play a role in sleep outcomes, with married individuals reporting better sleep quality than their unmarried counterparts. These findings underscore the complex interplay of social, demographic, and lifestyle factors in shaping sleep health.
Percent of Americans Sleeping 7-9 Hours per Night
Definition:
Individual responses to the question “How much sleep do you usually get at night on weekdays or workdays?” to capture those who answered any number between 7 and 9 hours.
Example:
Those who report sleeping any number of hours outside of (below or above) the 7 to 9 hour range are counted as insufficient sleepers. For instance, a person who reports sleeping 11 hours per night on average will not be counted in the sufficient sleep category.