Average person has 10 sleepless nights per month

Getting more sleep may be better than having extra money in the bank when it comes to increasing happiness, new research suggests.

A survey of 2,000 adults examined the connection between happiness and sleep, revealing that 40% of those who are “very happy” with their lives are more likely to get “excellent” sleep.

Although 72% of all respondents feel present in their everyday lives, a fifth says the opposite (18%), feeling that way an average of three days per week.

Respondents listed the lack of quality sleep (45%) as the main reason why they don’t feel present in their lives, followed by stress (43%), lack of exercise or motivation (38%), lack of social life (34%) and burnout from their home lives (33%).

And to increase their happiness, people shared that they need to feel less stressed (45%) and more rested (43%). Spending more time with their kids (38%) or getting a raise/promotion (36%) can also make people happier.

The research conducted by Natrol and OnePoll found that the average person experiences 10 sleepless nights per month. That may explain why 71% of all those surveyed feel like superheroes who can take on the world when they do sleep through the night.

Having the right amount of sleep goes a long way since 40% of respondents say they’re more likely to eat healthier and go to the gym (35%) if they do so.

And sleep may help them in their sex and home lives: almost four in five of all respondents are likelier to be more intimate with their partners (38%), prepare a home-cooked meal (37%) and spend more time with their kids (35%) with good sleep.

For 56% of those in a relationship, lousy sleep, on the other hand, could negatively affect their partner’s sleep.

"Living in the present can be hard because it means we have to put our worries about the past and future aside. Without a good night's sleep, our concentration and productivity are impacted, causing us to worry and stress even more," said Hanan Wajih, chief marketing officer at Vytalogy Wellness. "But when you get consistent and better sleep, you wake up feeling revitalized and focused on the here and now, allowing you to give your full attention to being present in the moment."

Respondents also shared their must-haves for good sleep, which include having comfy pillows (50%), setting the ideal room temperature (49%), and having their electronics off an hour before bed (34%).

Nearly a third prefer reading a book and listening to music/podcasts (both 30%) before they hit the sack. And for a quarter, melatonin is essential for quality sleep (25%).

Overall, almost six in 10 say they’re determined not to have bad sleep get in the way of living their lives (58%).

“For many people, cracking the code to a good night’s sleep has been impossible due to the multitasking and busy lifestyles we have grown accustomed to,” continued Wajih. “However, getting consistent and better sleep doesn’t have to be impossible. Focusing on your mental and physical well-being is essential to a good night’s sleep. Allowing you to align your body’s movement with your thoughts to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and wake up with a clearer, calmer mind.”

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Natrol between October 27 and October 28, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).