Survey finds more than 3 in 4 adults report difficulty falling or staying asleep
DARIEN, IL – June 8, 2026 – The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine have partnered for the 13th annual Insomnia Awareness Night on Monday, June 22. The initiative aims to bring awareness to chronic insomnia and its treatments.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder marked by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up earlier than desired, despite accounting for ample time to rest. Chronic insomnia is characterized by these disruptions occurring at least three times per week and continuing for a minimum of three months. Chronic insomnia can lead to a decline in physical, mental, and emotional health, which has an overarching impact on daily functioning, interpersonal relationships, and longevity.
“Chronic insomnia is more than a restless night. It’s a persistent health condition that can affect mood, memory, productivity, and overall well-being if left untreated,” said Dr. Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg, president of the AASM. “The good news is that effective treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, can help people improve their sleep and significantly enhance quality of life.”
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, known as CBT-I, is the recommended treatment for chronic insomnia due to its well-rounded behavioral and science-based approach. CBT-I combines one or more cognitive therapy strategies with education about sleep regulation plus behavioral strategies such as stimulus control instructions and sleep restriction therapy.
“CBT-I is the gold standard for treating chronic insomnia because it addresses the root causes of sleep difficulties rather than providing temporary relief,” said Sarah Honaker, who is a pediatric sleep researcher and clinical psychologist at Indiana University School of Medicine and president of the SBSM. “Its individualized, evidence-based approach equips patients with the skills they need to improve their sleep long-term. CBT-I goes beyond standard advice about sleep habits and incorporates sleep physiology and personalized recommendations about sleep timing, thoughts, and behaviors. That is why we strongly encourage anyone struggling with chronic insomnia to consult a health professional about incorporating CBT-I into their treatment plan.”
Chronic insomnia can occur in children as well as adults. Behavioral interventions are the first treatment option for healthy children who struggle with insomnia symptoms, such as difficulty falling asleep, bedtime resistance, or nighttime awakenings. For those who fail to respond to treatment, or for children with more complex medical or neurodevelopmental problems, pharmacological interventions may be indicated in combination with behavioral intervention.
A recent survey conducted by the AASM found that over 75% of adults report that they always, often, or sometimes have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It’s important to discuss ongoing sleep problems with a medical professional. Your doctor may refer you to a behavioral sleep medicine specialist or an AASM-accredited sleep center for help.
Insomnia Awareness Night
A panel of experts from the AASM and SBSM will hold a Reddit Ask Me Anything Monday, June 22, from 8-10 p.m. EDT to answer questions about sleep and insomnia issues. To learn more about Insomnia Awareness Night, or for more information about sleep health and sleep disorders, visit SleepEducation.org.
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About the Survey
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned an online survey of 2,007 adults in the U.S. The overall margin of error fell within +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence interval of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between June 5-13, 2025, by Atomik Research, an independent market research agency.
About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Established in 1975, the AASM is a medical association that advances sleep care and enhances sleep health to improve lives. The AASM membership includes more than 9,500 physicians, scientists, and other health care professionals who help people who have sleep disorders. The AASM also accredits 2,300 sleep centers that are providing the highest quality of sleep care across the country (aasm.org).
About the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine
The SBSM is an interdisciplinary organization committed to advancing the scientific approach to studying the behavioral, psychological and physiological dimensions of sleep and sleep disorders and the application of this knowledge to the betterment of individuals and societies worldwide (https://www.behavioralsleep.org/).
