People across the globe are seeking ways to improve sleep and feel more rested, but many declare they are missing an average of 1 hour and 20 minutes of sleep each night.
A new IKEA report marking the World Sleep Day reveals a significant global sleep deficit. The IKEA Sleep Uncovered study, one of the largest sleep studies ever conducted with over 55,000 participants across 57 markets, reveals compelling insights about our relationship with rest.
Despite 70% of people viewing sleep as one of life’s greatest joys, the study shows most individuals are falling short of their desired 8-hour goal. Over a quarter of people globally rate their sleep quality as poor, and a fifth (19%) wake up more than twice a night, ultimately waking up feeling tired almost every day. Notably, 58% of respondents prefer staying in and sleeping to going out and socializing, indicating a growing recognition of sleep’s importance in our daily lives.
Mainland China has the highest score for sleep quality, and Norway the lowest.
Romania is in the upper half, still the study reveals challenging sleep patterns, with 34% of people sleeping 6 hours or less per night, and almost 40% feeling they don’t get enough sleep. More than a quarter of Romanians report poor sleep quality, taking an average of 24 minutes to fall asleep, with over 20% requiring more than 30 minutes to drift off.
Wired Awake
The report reveals an alarming dependence on sleep medication, with 1 in 5 (19%) people globally reliant on drugs to help them sleep, and 5% medicating daily. Almost 1 in 10 (8%) of those surveyed suffer from insomnia. People in Romania have slightly better habits – 18% of the respondents claims to use sleep medications and are rather turning to alternative solutions. Creating optimal sleep environments proves crucial, with 69% of Romanians believing a tidy, clutter-free bedroom significantly impacts sleep quality. Additional sleep aids include black-out blinds (21%) and dietary supplements or hot drinks (13%).
Over a third (36%) of people globally say they need more money to improve their sleep, underscoring the link between financial well-being and rest. The situation in Romania is similar, those with lower income report frequent nightmares more often (19%) as well as those that feel financial insecurity.
Stress & Screen Time Impacts Sleep
Stress, anxiety, and overthinking is the main reason (40%) why people are losing sleep. And while it takes most people an average of 24 minutes to drift off, 7% report taking over an hour.
Screens are deeply ingrained in bedtime routines, despite fears over their impact on sleep quality. Almost three quarters of people in the world, and 82% of Romanians use their phones in the bedroom. These numbers soar to 89% among 25-34-year-olds – the group most likely to worry about the amount of sleep they get. Laptops, tablets, and TVs are also bedtime staples used by Romanians: 29% use laptops in bed, and 71% watch TV before sleep.
Tips for Better Sleep
Simple adjustments in our sleep environment and routines can have a profound impact on our rest quality. The IKEA Sleep Uncovered report also provides some practical tips on how to do it:
- Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends.
- Maximize exposure to natural light during the day.
- Create a cozy, clutter-free bedroom with comfortable bedding and dim lighting.
- Relax your mind before bed with meditation or breathing exercises.
- Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, or alcohol near bedtime.
- Get regular physical activity during the day to promote better sleep.
The study, conducted in 2024, offers unprecedented insights into sleep patterns across the globe and provides practical solutions for better rest. The findings reinforce IKEA’s commitment to helping people create optimal sleep environments that contribute to their overall well-being and a better life for the many people.