For many Americans, a good night’s sleep is easier said than done. According to a survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the pressures of daily life impact how well adults sleep. Topping the list, nearly half of adults (45%) say that family responsibilities have a major or moderate impact on their ability to sleep well on a regular basis.

Work and financial pressures are close behind, as more than a third of adults report that job stress (39%), housing costs (36%), and work schedules (35%) have a major or moderate impact on their ability to sleep well on a regular basis. Health-related challenges also disrupt sleep, with 39% of adults citing physical health problems, 37% citing mental health problems, and 29% saying limited access to health care are factors that impact sleep.

“People are struggling to protect their sleep in the face of real, ongoing pressures,” said AASM spokesperson Dr. David Kuhlmann. “Whether it’s a demanding job, financial stress, or the around-the-clock responsibility of caring for a family, these burdens don’t disappear at bedtime. And when sleep suffers, so does our ability to manage stress, stay healthy, and function at our best.”

The consequences of poor sleep extend well beyond feeling tired. According to a recent AASM position statement, excessive daytime sleepiness affects one in three U.S. adults and is linked to cognitive impairment, workplace accidents, drowsy driving, and mental health concerns such as depression. As a result, AASM urges health care professionals and patients alike to take sleepiness seriously as a clinical concern.

“Poor sleep is not a personal failing. It is often a reflection of the pressures people face outside the bedroom,” added Kuhlmann. “We encourage anyone who is consistently struggling to sleep well, or who experiences excessive daytime sleepiness, to speak with a healthcare professional. Identifying the root causes of poor sleep is an important first step toward better overall health.”

The AASM recommends that adults sleep seven or more hours per night on a regular basis to promote optimal health. Here are some tips from the AASM on how to protect your sleep even when life feels overwhelming:

  • Share the load when you can. If caregiving or family responsibilities are cutting into your sleep, look for opportunities to delegate or ask for support.
  • Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Go to bed when you feel sleepy and aim to wake up at the same time each day, including weekends, to help keep your body’s internal clock on track.
  • Create a buffer between stress and bedtime. Set aside 30 to 60 minutes before bed to decompress. Step away from screens, work emails, and stressful conversations to help your mind transition into rest mode.
  • Stay active. Regular physical activity can improve sleep quality and help ease stress. Try to incorporate movement into your daily routine but avoid vigorous workouts right before bed.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet. Try to meet the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, grains, and protein to support steady energy levels and consistent body rhythms.
  • Talk to a healthcare professional. If stress, health problems, or other pressures are chronically disrupting your sleep, don’t wait to seek help. Effective treatments and strategies are available.

For more information about sleep health, or to find a local AASM-accredited sleep center, visit sleepeducation.org. View 2025 AASM Sleep Prioritization Survey results in the AASM newsroom.

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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 healthcare 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.