Americans Say They Wish They Could Go To Sleep Earlier, But Life Gets In The Way

The average American doesnt actually drift off to sleep until 11:18 p.m., according to a new survey exploring nighttime routines and sleep habits.

The nationwide survey of 2,000 American adults, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Avocado Green Mattress, found that while people start winding down around 10:15 p.m., it takes about 21 minutes to get ready for bed and another 40 minutes in bed before sleep arrives.

The survey revealed that many wish they were able to fall asleep earlier — respondents reported waking up three mornings a week on average regretting the previous nights bedtime. Chores and lingering to-do lists were the most common reason people stayed up later than planned (29%), followed by simply preferring nighttime (21%), not wanting to “fast forward” to the next workday (15%), and squeezing in time to connect with a partner (13%).

Sharing a bed was also found to be a mixed blessing. Of those who sleep alongside their significant other — nearly half of respondents (46%) — about half (49%) said they sleep better with their partner nearby. But one in seven (14%) reported sleeping worse, most often because of snoring (63%) or being awakened by their partners movements or trips to the bathroom (52%). Differences in bedtime routines (26%) and sleeping temperature preferences (24%) were also key disruptors.

“For many, falling asleep and staying asleep is difficult,” said Laura Scott, director of brand marketing at Avocado Green Mattress. “And perfectly controlling your bedtime or wind-down routine isnt always possible, since life, and sometimes other people, often get in the way. Thats why having a cozy, personalized and supportive sleep environment is so vital for a good nights rest.”

As a new school year approaches, the survey also explored how the return to the classroom affects parents sleep. Among parents of school-aged children — 27% of respondents — most expect to lose sleep when school resumes. Over half (53%) anticipate waking up earlier to help kids get ready, while a quarter expect later nights spent making lunches or helping with homework. One in 10 (11%) said theyll sleep less soundly due to increased worries about their childs return to school.

“Parents with kids in school can have an even harder time getting all the sleep they need, since theyre making time for homework, packing lunches and making meals, driving here and there and trying to spend quality time with their kids,” Scott said. “With so much going on during back-to-school season, ensuring they can get a full, restful night of sleep is more important than ever.”