According to a survey commissioned by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), 32% of adults “always or often” lose sleep at night due to worries about environmental issues.
The survey found that younger generations are more likely to experience this problem, with 41% of Generation Z and 37% of millennials reporting they “always or often” lose sleep due to environmental worries. In contrast, only 11% of baby boomers and 6% of the Silent Generation reported the same sleep concern.
“Global warming, pollution, and weather events are an ongoing concern, and worries about these environmental issues are affecting how people sleep,” says Jennifer Martin, PhD, clinical psychologist and president of AASM, in a press release. “As Earth Day approaches, it’s important to manage stress over climate change and other environmental issues and to make healthy sleep a priority.”
Below are some tips from the AASM to help manage worries and improve sleep health:
- Disconnect from technology: Avoid checking social media, news updates, or any other technology that may trigger environmental worries before bedtime.
- Create a soothing sleep environment: Keep your bedroom lights dim; keep the room at a comfortable, cool temperature; and use a comfortable pillow, mattress, and bedding that promote restful sleep.
- Establish a relaxing bedtime routine: Try reading, taking a relaxing bath, or meditating to unwind before going to bed.
AASM commissioned an online survey of 2,005 adults in the US. Fieldwork took place between March 24 and 29.
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