Worry about sleep causes more sleep disruption, expert warns
Dr. Marc Siegel, a Senior Medical Analyst, advises against stressing over sleep. He points out that research indicates 6 to 7 hours is generally an adequate amount. Siegel highlights the importance of deep sleep for detoxifying the brain, where microglia remove metabolic waste and harmful proteins. This process helps decrease stress and enhances heart health for many adults.
Exhaustion is increasingly common among Americans. Data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics indicates that over 70% of U.S. adults experience fatigue during any three-month timeframe—a drain affecting work and daily life. According to the 2024 National Health Interview Survey involving about 27,000 adults, fatigue ranks as one of the leading health complaints across the country.
The CDC describes fatigue as a state of physical or mental tiredness that doesn’t get better with rest, as opposed to ordinary sleepiness. The survey found that 71.5% of participants reported feeling fatigued on some days, while 16.6% experienced “frequent fatigue,” defined as feeling exhausted most days or daily.
Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, neurologist, shared that “fatigue can arise from various issues.” While hormonal, cardiac, or neurological conditions may contribute, he believes that much of the fatigue many people face is likely due to poor sleep quality intertwined with psychosocial stress.
This frequent fatigue appears to be more prevalent among women (20%) compared to men (13%). Younger adults aged 18 to 34 showed the highest rates of exhaustion at 19.5%, whereas those aged 65 and over reported the lowest at 12.9%. Additionally, fatigue was more common in lower-income households and among those living in rural areas, particularly in the South and Midwest.
Nearly 51% of adults dealing with frequent fatigue reported struggles in multiple functional areas, like mood and memory. More than a third said their exhaustion affects their work capabilities, and 29% cited a reduction in social activities due to fatigue.
Murray stressed that quality sleep is crucial for both mental and physical restoration. “Poor sleep contributes to slower thinking, lowered focus, and an overall less happy and productive workforce,” he noted. Although the survey does not pinpoint specific causes, experts speculate that workplace culture and constant digital connectivity may play significant roles in overall fatigue levels.
“While instant communication technologies offer benefits, they also prevent us from fully disconnecting from work,” Murray remarked. Issues arise from the expectation to address work-related matters quickly via phone, even late at night, alongside the effects of social media distractions that diminish sleep quality.
Digital multitasking and frequent interruptions can leave individuals feeling mentally exhausted. Research shows that continuously shifting attention between emails and chats forces the brain to refocus repeatedly, which can intensify mental fatigue.
To address the rising levels of exhaustion, Murray emphasized the importance of establishing boundaries and seeking medical advice when necessary. He recommends turning off work devices prior to bedtime and consulting a healthcare professional if fatigue persists to rule out any underlying medical issues.
