Home Improvement

Americans Lost Over 30 Billion Hours Of Sleep In 2020 — Here's How To Catch Up In 2021

By Pauline Lacsamana Jan 13, 2021 4:03 pm EST

Tuft & Needle

Would it really surprise anyone if we said that people had a tough time sleeping in 2020? According to a survey — conducted by Serta Simmons Bedding and consumer insights and strategy consulting firm Kelton Global — Americans have lost over 30 billion hours of sleep since March 2020.

The survey found that anxiety due to the pandemic is the main reason why we are losing sleep, but, in addition to feeling more anxious, participants also reported they were getting less sleep due to spending more time on social media and staying up later to get more time to themselves. (Relatable.)

But, since it's a brand new year, we think it's about time we put bad sleep to bed.

According to JD Velilla, head of sleep experience and technology for Tuft & Needle, there are a few things you can do to get a more restful sleep. For starters, you want to make sure to limit certain stimuli before bedtime, specifically technology and vigorous exercise. Phones, TVs, and other gadgets can emit blue light and disrupt your sleep-wake cycle, while exercise can raise your core temperature and heart rate, which is the exact opposite of what you want to do to wind down for the day.

Velilla also suggests setting up the optimal sleep environment by setting your preferred room temperature at least 90 minutes before bed to help your body adjust, circulating airflow with a fan, and lastly, investing in the right bedtime products, whether that involves getting a quality mattress or a sound machine to lull you to sleep.

Check out our top picks to help you sleep better in 2021.

1. Tuft & Needle Original Mattress, starting at $300