The dark side of the American work ethic: widespread sleep deprivation, linked to obesity, depression, even early death

Many Americans are long overdue for a good nap. Their health—and that of the economy—might depend on it.

A rising share of Americans are sleeping less than they should, adding on to the country’s persistent sleep deficit that public health experts say will lead to far worse outcomes than simple grogginess. In 2024, 30.5% of Americans—almost one third—slept on average less than seven hours a night, according to data released last week by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Only 54.8% of adults wake up feeling well-rested on most days, the national survey found.

Sleep is critical to being in good health, regulating how people think and informing everything from mood to physical health. But the country’s lack of sleep is a problem for everyone, even for those lucky Americans who are able to get enough shut-eye. In addition to individual health, insufficient sleep creates a drag on medical spending, workplace productivity, and long-term health outcomes. America’s chronic inability to get enough sleep comes with a real cost attached, one that researchers have put in the hundreds of billions of dollars in annual economic losses.

The other culprit is the thing that makes the American economy so great: the rise and grind ethos that sees Americans work far more hours than counterparts in most developed economies. The American work ethic is coming at a steep cost.

A good night’s rest........

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