Sleep Studies

Percentage of Adults Aged ≥ 18 Years* Who Reported an Average of ≤6 Hours of Sleep† per 24-Hour Period, by Sex and Age Group --- National Health Interview Survey, United States, 1985 and 2006§

* N = 23,679 (10,457 men and 13,222 women).
† Based on response to the following question: "On average, how many hours of sleep do you get in a 24-hour period?" Respondents could indicate getting 1 to 24 hours of sleep.
§ Estimates were based on household interviews of a sample of the noninstitutionalized, U.S. civilian population.

From 1985 to 2006, the percentage of men and women who reported an average of ≤6 hours of sleep per 24-hour period increased in all age groups. In 2006, for both men and women, the percentage of respondents reporting ≤6 hours of sleep per 24-hour period was highest among those aged 30--44 years and 45--64 years. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7--9 hours of sleep per 24-hour period for adults (additional information available at http://www.sleepfoundation.org*).

Data sources:

• Schoenborn CA. Health habits of U.S. adults, 1985: the "Alameda 7" revisited. Public Health Rep 1986;101:571--80

• Unpublished estimates from the 2006 National Health Interview Survey.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Who Reported an Average of ≤6 Hours of Sleep per 24-Hour Period, by Sex and Age Group --- National Health Interview Survey, United States, 1985 and 2006. MMWR 2008:57(08);209.

For More Information

• Sleep and Sleep Disorders Feature

• CDC Sleep and Sleep Disorders Web Site