It appears as if the average American adult goes to bed feeling stressed or anxious at least three days a week. Stress has become so all-consuming that it is keeping them awake for an additional three hours past their intended bedtime. 65% of the respondents agree that this is cutting into their needed sleep making it so that the next day will be off to a bad start and could possibly ruin the whole day.
When asked if they were given the chance to get the perfect sleep that is free from stress and anxiety every night for a year what would they be willing to give up, 48% of the respondents said that they would give up Wi-Fi, 43% would surprisingly give up their bed, and 41% would go as far as to give up indoor plumbing to have perfect sleep.
The findings revealed that anxiety sometimes makes the respondents do things they normally wouldn’t when they are trying to sleep, 59% look at their phone scrolling aimlessly, 49% eat snacks, and 39% find themselves staring at the ceiling rather than sleeping. As for what is keeping them stressed out to the point of having trouble sleeping, 58% are concerned about their physical health, 56% are worried about their schedule for the next day, and 51% are feeling anxiety about their mental health.
Regardless of whatever the specific stressor is that is preventing sleep, 48% of the respondents say that they are less likely to stress about situations that are already happening as much as they are likely to stress out about hypothetical ones that may never happen. To distract themselves 44% have tried reading before going to bed, 42% have tried warm milk, 37% have tried CBD, and 29% have tried melatonin to try to get some sleep. However, only 28% report that the method they use most often is very effective.
“Americans are waking up stressed three times a week on average, which is why it is so important to find natural, healthy ways to cope and feel better,” says Eric Zipperle, CEO of Cornbread Hemp. “Plant-based alternatives made from cannabis,…, can offer relief and a good night’s rest.”
All this stress and anxiety is affecting their lives in other ways than lost sleep. The analysis also revealed that the average adult experiences 4 panic attacks a year, 43% have missed work due to built-up stress and anxiety, 41% have had to cancel plans for meals with family and friends, 40% have missed weddings, and 39% stayed home rather than going to birthday parties.
In 2023 alone the respondents missed an average of 9 different events due to stress and anxiety, with 31% not going to holiday gatherings, 20% missing out on concerts, and 11% experiencing guilt to go along with the stress and anxiety because they didn’t attend their child’s event like a play, recital, or game.
To help deal with their stress and anxiety 50% of the respondents mediate, 43% talk with a therapist/counselor, 40% take CBD, 32% engage in retail therapy online, 22% prefer to shop in person, 31% exercise to unwind, and 31% find that cleaning helps them to relax.
“Melatonin and other sleep aids can come with many negative side effects, including morning grogginess,” added Zipperle. “The data from our study further confirms that melatonin may not be the most effective form of sleep support for most consumers”.
