Worrying About Sleep Can Make It Worse, Experts Say
Many people in the United States are feeling more tired than ever, according to new insights from health experts. Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst, emphasizes the importance of not stressing too much about sleep. Research indicates that getting about 6 to 7 hours of sleep can be ideal for most adults.
Dr. Siegel notes that deep sleep is crucial for brain health. During this phase, the brain works to clear out waste and harmful proteins, helping to lower stress and improve heart health.
Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that over 70% of U.S. adults feel fatigued in any three-month period. This ongoing tiredness is taking a toll on daily life and work. A survey of approximately 27,000 adults found that fatigue is a common health concern across the country.
The CDC defines fatigue as a physical or mental exhaustion that doesn’t get better with rest. The recent data reveals that 71.5% of participants reported feeling tired on some days, and 16.6% said they experience “frequent fatigue,” which is described as feeling exhausted most or every day.
Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a neurologist, explains that fatigue can stem from various causes. While some issues may be related to hormones or heart problems, he believes that a significant part of fatigue is linked to poor sleep quality and stress, which often go hand-in-hand.
The survey also showed that fatigue is more common among women, with about 20% reporting frequent exhaustion compared to 13% of men. Younger adults aged 18 to 34 reported the highest levels of fatigue, while those over 65 reported the least.
Fatigue appears to be more prevalent in lower-income households, people living in rural areas, and residents in the South and Midwest. Nearly 51% of adults who frequently feel tired said it affects their mood, memory, and ability to move around easily. More than a third of these individuals reported that fatigue limits their work capabilities, with many cutting back on social activities.
Dr. Murray stresses the importance of quality sleep for both mental and physical well-being. Poor sleep can lead to slower thinking, trouble concentrating, and decreased work productivity. He also highlights that constant digital distractions and workplace demands can contribute to overall exhaustion.
The pressures of modern work culture, such as late-night emails and social media use, can make it hard for people to switch off from work, further hurting their sleep quality. Dr. Murray advises taking steps to disconnect from technology in the hours before bedtime and suggests seeking medical help if fatigue becomes a frequent issue.
Taking care of our sleep hygiene and setting boundaries can help in managing fatigue and improving overall health.
