Zhilei Shan, MD, PhD Postdoctoral fellow on Nutritional Epidemiology Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Americans’ Sleep Patterns Differ on Work and Free Days

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Zhilei Shan, MD, PhD Postdoctoral fellow on Nutritional Epidemiology Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Dr. Shan

Zhilei Shan, MD, PhD
Postdoctoral fellow on Nutritional Epidemiology
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: Unhealthy sleep behaviors and sleep disturbances are associated with higher risk of multiple diseases and mortality. The current profiles of sleep habits and disturbances, particularly the differences between workdays and free days, are unknown in the contemporary US.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: In this nationally representative cross-sectional analysis with 9004 adults aged 20 years or older, differences in sleep patterns between workdays and free days were observed. The mean sleep duration was 7.59 hours on workdays and 8.24 hours on free days (difference, 0.65 hour). The mean sleep and wake times were at 11:02 PM and 6:41 AM, respectively, on workdays and 11:25 PM and 7:41 AM, respectively, on free days (differences, 0.23 hour for sleep time and 1.00 hour for wake time). With regard to sleep disturbances, 30.5% of adults experienced 1 hour or more of sleep debt,46.5% experienced 1 hour or more of social jet lag, 29.8% had trouble sleeping, and 27.2% experienced daytime sleepiness.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: These findings highlight the need for greater emphasis on healthy sleep in public health promotion, in particular the regularity of sleep habits, which is very important for maintaining normal circadian rhythm and individuals’ normal sleep cycle. 

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?

Response: More sleep and circadian research is needed to further elucidate the importance of sleep for public health and the contributions of sleep problems to adverse health outcomes.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?

Response: These findings provide evidence to further investigate potential approaches to optimize the overall US sleep health.

Citation:

Di H, Guo Y, Daghlas I, et al. Evaluation of Sleep Habits and Disturbances Among US Adults, 2017-2020. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(11):e2240788. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.40788
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2798209?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=110822

The information on MedicalResearch.com is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition to all other limitations and disclaimers in this agreement, service provider and its third party providers disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the content provided on this website.

 

 

Last Updated on November 9, 2022 by Marie Benz MD FAAD