In a recent study surveying over 55,000 individuals worldwide, researchers uncovered significant barriers to achieving a good night's sleep. The findings revealed that stress, anxiety, and screen time are major contributors to disrupted sleep patterns. A notable 17% of participants identified stress as their primary obstacle to restful sleep. Meanwhile, 12% attributed insomnia to anxiety disorders, and 11% pointed to overthinking. These factors collectively highlight psychological challenges as predominant sleep disruptors.
The survey also shed light on the impact of technology on sleep quality. Despite the known negative effects of blue light emitted from phone screens, 72% of respondents admitted to using their phones in bed. The study emphasized that it's not just the screen or light itself but the displacement of sleep that poses a significant concern.
"With phones, it’s not about the screen or light, it’s the displacement of sleep," – Bostock
The United States emerged as having the most disrupted sleep patterns among the surveyed markets, alongside the second lowest sleep score. This score was calculated based on sleep quality, duration, and frequency of waking during the night. Interestingly, Mainland China and Indonesia reported the highest sleep scores despite high levels of bedtime phone usage.
Stress emerged as a formidable barrier, negatively impacting sleep and, by extension, daily life. The study highlighted that individuals satisfied with their work-life balance scored an average of 15 points higher on the sleep score than those who were dissatisfied.
"Stress can lead to poor sleep and this can therefore affect the rest of our lives," – Bostock
While screentime before bed is a common habit affecting sleep, it is not necessarily the most detrimental one. The research aimed to explore various factors influencing sleep and provided some enlightening insights. Only 8% of respondents blamed sleep disorders for their sleep issues, underscoring that lifestyle factors play a more significant role.
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