(NaturalHealth365)  In a recent study published in Sleep Health, researchers shed light on the concerning issue of inadequate sleep plaguing society, highlighting the ongoing sleep crisis.  Diving into the findings reveals a startling truth: the average American is clocking in less than 7 hours of shut-eye per night.

What’s even more alarming?  A study conducted by sleep experts at Flinders University unveils that a staggering 31% of adults are falling short of the recommended 7-9 hours of nightly rest.

Valuable insights from Flinders University

The study conducted by Flinders University found that only 15% of individuals manage to achieve the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep for at least 5 nights per week.  What’s more concerning is the inconsistency among those who do manage to hit that mark.  Over the 9-month period analyzed, it was discovered that 40% of those nights of sleep fell outside the target range.

This insightful research was based on data from over 11 million nights of sleep.  Researchers utilized sleep tracker technology, specifically Withings Sleep Analyzers, which are discreet inflatable mats tucked under mattresses.  These devices employ ballistography to track changes in pressure, monitoring various sleep metrics, including body movements, heart rates, respiratory rates, and time spent in bed.

The analysis encompassed data from 68,000 adults worldwide.  However, it’s worth noting that the study included significantly more men (52,523) than women (14,731).

Most Americans fall short of recommended sleep duration

The study data not only reveals intriguing patterns in sleep duration across different demographics but also sheds light on the ongoing sleep crisis.  Interestingly, women exhibited longer sleep duration compared to men, while middle-aged individuals tended to have shorter sleep lengths than both younger and older age groups.  Such variations are expected, as the body’s sleep needs fluctuate across different stages of life, from childhood to adolescence and into the later years.

Furthermore, the analysis revealed that only a small percentage of participants managed to consistently achieve the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep for at least five nights per week or more.  Even more striking is the finding that just 2% of study participants achieved this optimal sleep duration for 85% of nights.

Moreover, individuals with an average sleep duration falling within the 7-9 hour range experienced irregular sleep patterns.  Approximately 13% of nights consisted of 9 or more hours of sleep, while 28% of nights consisted of less than 7 hours of sleep.  These findings shed light on the complexity of sleep habits and the challenges many face in maintaining a consistent and adequate sleep routine.

Insufficient sleep has severe implications

The current sleep crisis has highlighted the risks associated with sleeping for less than six hours per night, including an increased risk of mortality and various health issues.  Conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and hypertension are among the many health problems directly linked to inadequate sleep.

Research indicates that both insufficient sleep (less than seven hours per day) and excessive sleep (more than nine hours per day) are detrimental to health and well-being.  These extremes in sleep duration can lead to cognitive and digestive impairments.

Irregular sleep patterns and poor sleep quality have wide-ranging negative effects, including an elevated risk of car accidents, diminished work performance, and potential mental health issues.  Additionally, inadequate sleep can result in daytime drowsiness, impaired memory retention, and difficulty concentrating.

If you find yourself consistently getting less than 7 hours of sleep per day, it’s critical to acknowledge the issue and take steps to address it.  Simple adjustments, such as using a white noise machine and blackout curtains to create a conducive sleep environment, can significantly improve sleep quality.

Establish a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day to promote more restful sleep.  Limit the consumption of caffeinated (or sugary) beverages like coffee, soda, and energy drinks in the late afternoon and evening hours to help ensure better sleep, considering their average half-life of around 5 hours.

Simply put, there are many ways to improve your sleep.  Make this a top health priority and, if you need help, talk to an experienced healthcare provider or health coach.  The rewards are worth the effort.

Sources for this article include:

Sciencedirect.com
Singlecare.com
NIH.gov