Stressed Americans Need a Lot More Quality Sleep

Published on May 16, 2022

As we are two years into the global pandemic, many Americans report feeling more stressed than ever, which can result in a lack of much needed sleep. Studies show that 8 in 10 Americans are experiencing higher levels of stress due to factors such as unrest across the world, supply chain issues, and rising prices and inflation. One in four employees report that they are “approaching burnout” and nearly two in three Americans report that they “desperately need a vacation.” The majority of American adults say that they are often mentally tired, even when they haven’t been physically active in any way. 

The Link Between Stress and Sleep

High stress levels have been found to lead to sleep problems and fatigue, and the numbers are there to prove it. 57% of adults report being unable to sleep well due to having too much on their minds. 49% are often too anxious to sleep. Also, 28% have turned to over-the-counter sleep aids. Lastly, 19% have started a prescription sleep medication since the start of the pandemic. In addition to these struggles, the cost of poor sleep is very high. People who sleep for 6 hours or less per night have a 13% higher mortality rate than those who sleep 7 hours or more.

Those who do not get enough sleep have the reduced ability to make sound financial decisions, and studies show that they are at a two times greater risk of being involved in a car accident. However, people who get 7-8 hours of sleep each night are 29% more productive than those who sleep less. 

How to Get Better Sleep

Sleep is vital to our health, wellbeing, and focus, which is why it is such an issue that 1 in 3 Americans do not get enough of it. Fortunately, there are several ways that people can invest in a better sleep, beginning with a quality mattress. Switching bedding equipment can greatly reduce lethargy and fatigue and can help to moderate stress levels, as one is more likely to sleep well and through the night. Despite these suggestions, self care does not have to be expensive. There are many recommended self-care luxuries that make financial sense to the majority of Americans.

In terms of wellness, a personal trainer and counseling or therapy can be a great way to take care of oneself at a low cost. In regard to time, hiring a personal assistant, indulging in grocery delivery services, or taking time off can be helpful methods to reduce stress. There are many avenues by which one may be able to obtain these services. There are physical meetings or virtual options available, meaning that most of these options are incredibly accessible to Americans from all parts of the country and in a variety of different situations.

Increasing sleep has an impact on not only stress levels, but also health, wellbeing, mood, focus, and personal relationships. As the pandemic rages on, services for enhancing one’s mental health or personal life are very abundant. Therefore, Americans seeking ways to get a better night’s sleep need to look no further than a simple internet search. 

Stressed & Not Sleeping — How you can improve your sleep
Source: PizunaLinens
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Brian Wallace is a Columnist at Grit Daily. He is an entrepreneur, writer, and podcast host. He is the Founder and President of NowSourcing and has been featured in Forbes, TIME, and The New York Times. Brian previously wrote for Mashable and currently writes for Hacker Noon, CMSWire, Business 2 Community, and more. His Next Action podcast features entrepreneurs trying to get to the next level. Brian also hosts #LinkedInLocal events all over the country, promoting the use of LinkedIn among professionals wanting to grow their careers.

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