The extent of sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness in young adults
Background
Sleep deprivation is a condition in which an individual does not get enough sleep, leading to a variety of negative effects on their physical and mental health. In the United States, sleep deprivation is a common problem, with many people not getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Excessive daytime sleepiness is also a common condition in the United States. It is characterized by a persistent feeling of fatigue or drowsiness during the day, despite getting enough sleep at night. The current study aims to document the frequency of sleepiness symptoms amongst the general US population.
Methods
A web-based survey was conducted to assess the frequency of daily anxiety symptoms amongst adults residing in the United States. Questions from the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used to quantify the burden of daytime sleepiness. JMP 16.0 for Mac OS was used to perform statistical analyses. Our Institutional Review Board gave the study an exempt determination (#2022-569).
Results
In total, 9% of people qualified as having lower normal daytime sleepiness, 34% qualified as having higher normal daytime sleepiness, 26% qualified as having mild excessive daytime sleepiness, 17% qualified as having moderate excessive daytime sleepiness, and 17% qualified as having severe excessive daytime sleepiness.
Limitations
The present findings are based on cross-sectional survey data.
Conclusion
Although sleep is one of the most crucial bodily activities, our study of young adults found that more than 60% had moderate to severe sleep deprivation/daytime sleepiness as reported on the Epworth Sleepiness scale.
1. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Get Enough Sleep. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Published January 5,2023.https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/get-enough-sleep
2. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH Training for Nurses on Shift Work and Long Work Hours. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published March 31,2020.http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/work-hour-training-for-nurses/long-hours/mod2/08.html
3. Cooper JA. Screens and Your Sleep: The Impact of Nighttime Use. Sutter Health.http://www.sutterhealth.org/health/sleep/screens-and-your-sleep-the-impact-of-nighttime-use
4. Pacheco D. Excessive Sleepiness. Sleep Foundation.Published October 19,2022.http://www.sleepfoundation.org/excessive-sleepiness
5. Johns M. About the ESS. Epworth Sleepiness Scale.https://epworthsleepinessscale.com/about-the-ess/
6. Sleep and Sleep Disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published November 2,2022.https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/data-and-statistics/adults.html
7. Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines for 2022. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. Published January 12,2022.https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines
8. Orminski E. Sleep Is a Cyclical Inequity for Those in Poverty. National Community Reinvestment Coalition.Published August 5,2021.https://ncrc.org/sleep-is-a-cyclical-inequity-for-those-in-poverty/
9. James SM, Honn KA, Gaddameedhi S, Van Dongen HPA. Shift Work: Disrupted Circadian Rhythms and Sleep-Implications for Health and Well-being. Curr Sleep Medicine Rep.2017;3(2):104-112. doi:10.1007/s40675-017-0071-6