58% of U.S. workers struggle from poor sleep – survey
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — A new survey from meditation app Headspace revealed that 58% of United States workers struggle to get quality sleep regularly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends over seven hours of sleep per night for adults, but 63% of respondents sleep less than six hours. Stress and finances are the top factors affecting sleep quality.
This sleep deficit tanks productivity, according to 72% of respondents. Meanwhile, 61% feel distracted, 42% fail to accomplish goals, and 25% call in sick after a bad night’s sleep.
“Even though we don’t talk about it in a corporate environment, not having slept well puts you in a situation where you can’t perform well. And 25% of people missing a day at work clearly has a significant impact on productivity,” Headspace Chief People Officer Karan Singh said in an interview with Fortune.
About 25% of respondents said improving sleep would most benefit their health. At the same time, 77% said consistent, quality sleep would improve mental health.
Addressing sleep issues could encourage workers to seek mental healthcare who are otherwise reluctant. “It’s a lightweight… entry point to get access to care,” added Singh.
The report also noted that stress could affect sleep quality. Around 89% of employees feel moderate to extreme stress monthly, which 49% say causes weekly dread. Unpredictability, overwhelming expectations, and performance fears are top drivers.
Headspace, which serves over 4,000 employers in 200 countries, recommends reducing late-night work stress to get a night of quality sleep.
