Study: Sleep deprivation affects nearly half of American adults

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nearly half of Americans are sleep-deprived.

The sleep habits of more than 9,000 adults in the U.S. were collected from 2017 to March 2020.

More than 30% reported sleeping at least an hour less than the minimum that experts recommend for the body to be healthy.

Nearly half of the adults in the study reported at least an hour of social jet lag during the week.

Social jet lag happens when the time of sleep preferred by a person’s inner biological clock and the one dictated by society is not a good fit.

If untreated, it can lead to insomnia, excessive sleepiness, daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating and more.

While sleep debt and irregular sleep duration is linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, dementia and mood disorders.

If you’re struggling to get enough sleep, avoid naps, caffeine and alcohol.

Try meditation, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.

It’s also best to keep the same sleep schedule even on the weekends.