Insomnia Statistics....

these numbers may surprise you!

Insomnia statistics may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're lying wide awake at 3am staring at the ceiling fan!

But even though it seems as though you're the only person in the world who isn't sound asleep, the insomnia facts and figures on this page will assure you that it is most definitely NOT the case!

General Insomnia Statistics

But, you will probably be surprised at the widespread impact insomnia has on the population as a whole. Take a look at the following insomnia statistics :

• People today are sleeping on average 20% less than they did 100 years ago.


• Over 30 Million Americans suffer from insomnia


• 1 in 3 people suffer from some form of insomnia during their lifetime


• 20-40% of adults in the US experience insomnia in any given year


• 51% of Americans are losing sleep due to stress and/or anxiety


• 40% - 60% of people over 60 suffer from insomnia


• Women are between 1.5 and 2 times more likely to suffer from insomnia than men


• 2 Million American children experience sleep disorders, including insomnia


• Approx 35% of insomniacs have a family history of insomnia


• 90% of people suffering from depression experience insomnia


• Approx 10 Million people in the US use prescription sleep aids to deal with insomnia


• People who suffer from sleep deprivation are 27% more likely to become overweight/obese
• A National Sleep Foundation Poll shows that 60% of Americans have driven while feeling sleepy (and 37% admit to actually having fallen asleep at the wheel) in the past year.


• In a recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports, the top reason couples gave for avoiding sex last year was "too tired or need sleep"

The Financial Cost of Insomnia

It's sort of like dropping a pebble into a pool, there is a ripple effect that extends far wider than you might expect.

Insomnia statistics aren't confined to the relationship between insomnia and our health.

This sleep disorder costs governments and industry literally BILLIONS of dollars a year. Check out these figures....

• The Institute of Medicine recently estimated that hundreds of billions of dollars are spent every year on medical costs that are directly related to sleep disorders


• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show that more than 1500 people die, and 100,000 vehicle accidents happen every year due to drowsy driving


• Recent research indicates that employers spend approximately $3,200 more in health care costs on those with insomnia than on those who sleep well. Look at the breakdown of this figure here


• According to the US Surgeon General, insomnia costs the US Government over $15 Billion per year in healthcare costs


• Statistics also show that US industry loses about $150 Billion dollars each year because of sleep deprived workers. This takes into account absenteeism an lost productivity

For most of us, the worrying effects that insomnia has on our health and quality of life is of paramount importance, but the insomnia statistics above are sobering and thought-provoking at the very least.

In a world where everything happens at warp-speed and we fully expect to be able to cram 36 hours of living into a 18 hour day, something has to give!

The tendency to see sleep as an unnecessary 'evil', laziness, a waste of time, or a weakness, needs to be rejected if we want to be truly healthy, happy and productive.

National Sleep Foundation

Better Sleep Council

Gallup Polls

Institute of Medicine

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

US Surgeon Generals' Office

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