Jan 29, 2018

Americans are sleeping more

Erin Ross

A man catches some Z's during a tennis match, surrounded by empty stadium seats. — A fan naps during a tennis match. Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Americans are getting 18 minutes more sleep each weeknight than they were in 2003, according to a study published in the journal Sleep in September and reported by Niraj Chokshi in the New York Times.

Why it matters: The CDC reports that ⅓ of adults don’t get enough sleep. Insufficient sleep is linked to “linked to weight gain, focus issues and even an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease,” writes Chokshi.

Why we’re sleeping more: People are watching less late-night TV, possibly because streaming services free viewers from traditional tv schedules. They're also reading less at night. According to the study authors, modern conveniences like online shopping and banking have also freed up more time in the day, and thus, more time to catch some Z’s.

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Americans are sleeping more

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