Daytime sleepiness is a common problem that can be detrimental for mood, performance, and quality of life.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Widespread Impact – AASM’s new survey shows that 72% of adults experience daytime sleepiness that affects daily life, especially mood, stress, and work productivity.
- Demographic Differences – Sleepiness impacts life areas differently across groups, with women and adults aged 25–44 more likely to report effects on household management and relationships.
- Health Warning – Experts emphasize that frequent reliance on caffeine and persistent daytime sleepiness signal inadequate sleep or potential sleep disorders, warranting clinical evaluation.
A new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine reveals that sleepiness affects the daily activities of most adults, and people experience the impact of sleepiness in multiple areas of their lives.
Results show that 72% of adults say sleepiness sometimes, often, or always affects their daily activities. When asked about the areas of life that sleepiness affects, respondents were most likely to identify mood (60%), stress or anxiety levels (53%), and work productivity (42%).
“Daytime sleepiness is a common problem that can be detrimental for mood, performance, and quality of life,” said Dr. Eric Olson, past president of the AASM. “Healthy sleep enables us to feel great and perform our best during the day.”
The survey results vary based on both gender and age. For example, women (36%) are more likely than men (25%) to say that household management is an area of their life affected by sleepiness, and respondents aged 25-34 (30%) and 35-44 (31%) are the most likely age groups to report that sleepiness affects their relationships.
The survey also found that adults employ a variety of strategies to combat sleepiness and improve alertness. The most reported methods are to use caffeine (56%) or take a nap (46%).
“While it’s common to have coffee or another caffeinated drink to improve alertness, consistently relying on caffeine to function during the daytime is a sign that you need more sleep,” said Olson. “The AASM recommends that adults should sleep 7 or more hours per night on a regular basis.”
A recent position statement from the AASM emphasizes that sleepiness can also have a negative effect on health and safety. The statement urges health care professionals, policymakers, and researchers to prioritize the evaluation, management, and treatment of sleepiness to improve public health.
“Health care professionals need to recognize that the evaluation and management of sleepiness is essential for patient safety and patient-centered care,” Olson said. “Sleepiness is both a marker of insufficient sleep and a symptom of sleep disorders, and sleepiness can be caused by other medical conditions, mental health problems, and medications or drugs. Excessive daytime sleepiness is a warning sign that demands clinical attention.”
Here are signs that it’s time to speak with a primary care professional or sleep doctor about your sleep:
- Difficulty staying awake during daily activities, like work or commuting
- Excessive snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep
- Challenges with memory, recall, or concentration
- Problems falling asleep or staying asleep
- Waking up feeling unrefreshed
