Most U.S adults say they skip out on sleep to binge-watch: study

Darien, IL — Have you ever thought to yourself, “One more episode before bed”? If so, you’re not alone, according to the results of a recent survey that show 88% of U.S. adults have sacrificed sleep time to watch multiple episodes of a TV show or streaming series.

Researchers at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine analyzed responses from more than 2,000 adults who participated in the Sleep Prioritization Survey – conducted by the academy in September. Among age groups, 95% of respondents between 18 and 44 said their binge-watching cut into their sleep time. That percentage was 80 for people 45 and older.

Findings also show that people sacrifice sleep for other reasons:

• 72% of respondents 18 to 34 said they have lost sleep to play video games. For those 35 and older, that percentage was 38.
• 71% of women said they have continued to read a book instead of going to sleep at bedtime, while 61% of men said they have done the same.
• 60% of the respondents have stayed up to watch sports – 75% of men and 45% of women.

The respondents ranked sleep as their second-highest priority, behind their families. Perhaps that’s why 24% said they felt feelings of frustration at missing bedtimes.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults sleep seven to nine hours a night. AASM recommends practicing good sleep hygiene and following a bedtime routine – nightly habits that will help you wind down and prepare to sleep. If you experience ongoing sleep problems, the academy recommends talking with your physician.

“It’s encouraging that Americans rank sleep as one of their highest priorities, but choosing to binge on entertainment at night instead of sleeping has serious ramifications,” AASM President Kelly Carden said in a Nov. 4 press release. “Sleep is essential to health, well-being and safety, and chronic insufficient sleep can lead to an increased risk of health problems, mood disorders and motor vehicle accidents.”