A growing number of Americans are dreaming of more sleep

If you’re struggling to stifle a yawn while reading this newsletter, you’re not alone.

For the first time in Gallup polling history dating back to 2001, a majority of US adults (57%) say they would feel better if they got more sleep, while less than half (42%) say they get as much sleep as they need, per a newly published survey.

By the numbers: The poll also asked Americans to report how many hours of sleep they usually get each night.

• Eight or more: 26% said they fall into this category, which is the amount most sleep experts recommend. That figure is down from 34% in 2013, when Gallup last polled Americans’ sleep habits – and significantly lower than the 59% reported in 1942.
• Six or seven: 53% reported getting this amount of sleep per night, roughly in-line with the average between 1990-2013.
• Five or less: 20% said they belong to this category, up from an average of 14% over the past three decades.

Gallup also found these sleep problems aren’t impacting everyone evenly. A greater proportion of women report not getting enough sleep compared to men, while younger Americans are less likely to feel well-rested than their older counterparts.

📝 Bottom line: Gallup experts said polling data and other scientific research show a strong connection between sleep, stress, and overall health. In other words: 74% of people’s Plan A’s should be getting more Z’s.