Summary: A survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) reveals that 81% of Americans report losing sleep over worries about sleep problems, highlighting a growing cultural emphasis on “perfect sleep.” Fueled by social media, wellness trends, and sleep-tracking technology, the pursuit of optimal rest can inadvertently lead to stress and worsen sleep quality. Experts caution against over-reliance on sleep data and recommend adopting sustainable habits to alleviate sleep-related anxiety.
Key Takeaways:
- Sleep Anxiety Is Widespread: 81% of Americans report losing sleep due to worries about their sleep quality, reflecting a paradoxical cycle of stress and sleeplessness.
- “Perfect Sleep” Pressure: The rise of sleep optimization culture, driven by social media and sleep tracking technologies, has led to a phenomenon called “orthosomnia,” where excessive focus on sleep performance worsens sleep quality.
- Expert Recommendations: The AASM advises focusing on sustainable sleep habits, viewing sleep-tracking tools as guides rather than rigid measures, and seeking professional help if sleep-related anxiety persists.
A recent survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) highlights a surprising paradox: 81% of Americans report losing sleep due to worries about sleep problems.
This illustrates the growing pressure to achieve “perfect sleep,” fueled by social media trends, wellness products, and sleep-tracking technology.
“Concerns about getting enough high-quality sleep can create a vicious cycle of stress and sleeplessness for some people,” says Anita Shelgikar, MD, a sleep medicine physician and president-elect of the AASM, in a release. “Prioritizing sleep is great for overall health and wellbeing. For some, however, a heavy focus on optimizing sleep can actually lead to a decrease in sleep quality and sleep quantity.”
According to an article in The New York Times, the rise of so-called “sleep maxxers” has contributed to this cultural shift. These individuals embrace rigorous sleep optimization routines, from advanced tracking apps to highly structured rituals, often in pursuit of achieving the “perfect” eight hours of sleep. While these efforts are intended to improve rest and sleep hygiene, experts caution that they can unintentionally fuel sleep anxiety, a condition that has been called “orthosomnia.”
“Sleep maximization can sometimes turn what should be a restorative process into a high-pressure task,” Shelgikar says in a release. “Highly detailed sleep tracking and optimization can cause some individuals to become overly critical of their sleep patterns, leading to heightened stress and potentially worsened sleep over time.”
The AASM recommends the following strategies to ease worries and promote better sleep:
- Create a relaxing environment: Make your bedroom a calming space. Keep it dark, quiet, and cool, and invest in comfortable bedding.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Engage in activities such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling to help calm and clear your mind before bedtime.
- Understand the role of sleep tracking data: If you’re using sleep technologies, think of them as guides and tools, not rigid scorekeepers.
- Seek professional help: If you continue to experience sleep-related stress or sleeplessness, talk with your healthcare professional or sleep medicine specialist for further evaluation of your sleep.
“Sleep doesn’t have to be perfect every night,” Shelgikar says in a release. “The key is focusing on sustainable habits and broad trends related to your sleep. The goal is to get the amount of sleep you need to wake up refreshed and well-rested on a regular basis.”
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