Insomnia Statistics: 2023: Facts, Demographics & Disorders

It’s well documented that getting enough restful sleep contributes to one’s own mental and physical wellbeing.

We will be sharing with you the insomnia statistics we have gathered for you. 

Getting ample sleep is linked to improving the immune system and maintaining healthy weight, but there’s so much more you should know about getting a good and restful night’s sleep. 

We will share these with you along with some startling facts about insomnia that you need to know.

Key Insomnia Statistics 2023

• 75% of those living with depression also suffer from insomnia.
• Chronic insomnia sufferers are 2.5 times more apt to be involved in a car crash. 
• Sleep disorders are common and impact around 70 million Americans per year.
• The increased risk for a fatal heart attack is 3.5 higher in those with insomnia.
• In adolescents, insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder in 9.4% of those aged 13 to 16.
• Roughly 5% of people with insomnia fall asleep at the wheel.
• Close to 40% of individuals say they have accidentally fallen asleep during the day.
• 43% of retirement community dwelling adults 65 and over report sleep problems.
• As many as 95% of the American population reported insomnia episodes in their lifetime.
• Direct costs of insomnia in the US came to $13.9 billion in 1995.

Detailed Insomnia Statistics 2023

We will start with some factors that put people at risk for insomnia in this section of the article.

1. 75% of Those Living with Depression Also Suffer from Insomnia.

Among people who live with depression. three-quarters also either have problems with falling asleep or with staying asleep.

It’s important to recognize how depression and insomnia are linked so you can get help earlier.

Depending on the reason for your depression and insomnia, treatments can include using a CPAP device to mitigate sleep apnea, cognitive therapies to help address the depression and alleviate the issue of insomnia. 

Sometimes, medications are used for depression and insomnia, but be aware of how one may impact the other.

Always ask your doctor before you take anything for depression and insomnia. 

2. Between 24% and 36% of People with Insomnia Studied Also Have Some Form of Anxiety Disorder.

Having anxiety and insomnia is like a double-edged sword because one can cause the other respectively.

Lack of sleep can result in sleep deprivation, which increases the risk for anxiety disorders. Likewise, anxiety disorders can result in sleeplessness and insomnia. 

Treatments for this kind of insomnia and anxiety combination can include natural methods or medications.

Meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises have proven effective for reducing anxiety, which can also reduce insomnia. 

When these methods don’t work as they should, your doctor may prescribe medication for one or the other to help reduce anxiety or insomnia.

Each person must exercise their own best judgment for treatments. 

3. 39.1% of Insomnia Sufferers Report that There Is a Familial Connection to This Sleep Disorder.

Statistics show that 39.1% of people with insomnia claim that they have family members with insomnia.

In other words, it runs in the family. There has yet to be any clinical studies to show that insomnia is genetically linked.

To connect insomnia to genetics, there will need to be further studies to learn more about it.

With nearly 40% of people with insomnia claiming that they have a close relative with insomnia, perhaps that needs to be investigated. 

In one sample, 34.9% of insomnia sufferers said they have at least one first-degree relative that also suffered with current or past insomnia issues.

About 19.7% reported that relative to be their mother

4. In People 50 Years Old and Older, Binge Drinking Is Linked to A Higher Risk of Insomnia.

Insomnia statistics have proven that binge drinking among the older generations result in higher risks for insomnia. 

One new study suggests that people over 50 who binge drink an average of two days per week are at an 84% greater risk of insomnia as compared to non-binge drinkers. 

This particular study involved 4,970 people aged 55 and older who answered binge drinking and insomnia questions. 

They were to report how many days per week they were binge drinking (imbibing in four or more alcoholic beverages on one occasion) over the past three months of the study.

5. 43% of Adults in A Study Said that Stress Caused Their Insomnia.

Like anxiety, stress can cause insomnia and insomnia can exacerbate stress levels. Among American adults that sleep an average of 6.7 hours each night, 42% rated their sleep quality as fair to poor. 

Another 43% said that stress kept them awake at night over a one month period.

Furthermore, several reported that their level of stress is increased when their quality of sleep is decreased. 

About 21% of American adults in the study said that they feel more stressed when they don’t get enough sleep.

What Is the Impact of Insomnia?

In this section, we will be addressing statistics related to how this sleep disorder impacts people’s lives. In other words, the consequences. 

6. Even Mild Insomnia Is Reportedly Affiliated with 2 to 3 Times Bigger Risk of Hallucinations Being Reported.

If you think that this statistic is bad, consider that people with chronic insomnia are at four times the risk of experiencing hallucinations. 

This study also suggests that effective treatments for insomnia may mitigate the risk or at least lessen the frequency of having hallucinations. 

People who suffer from psychosis commonly also suffer from insomnia, which has been shown in other studies. 

However, the relationship between insomnia and hallucinations in those without psychosis was not studied before the British Psychiatric Morbidity Surveys from 2000 and 2007. 

7. Chronic Insomnia Sufferers Are 2.5 Times More Apt to Be Involved in A Car Crash. 

Chronic insomnia is when one experiences difficulty sleeping at least three times per week for at least three months or more. 

Also, chronic insomnia has been proven to impair your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. 

Driving after having a poor night’s sleep can be likened to a person driving with a blood alcohol level of .05. 

Therefore, people suffering with chronic insomnia are 2.5 times more apt to be involved in a vehicular accident. 

Likewise, they are 3.5 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash.

8. People Who Experience Insomnia Are 20 Times More at Risk for Developing a Panic Disorder.

Lack of sleep associated with anxiety has been well documented, but in one study, it was also proven that people who suffer with insomnia are also more likely to develop some form of panic disorder as well. 

Panic disorder is technically a form of anxiety disorder.

Sleep problems in general are thought to cause psychological issues like mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. 

Difficulty with sleeping is one sign of depression with 15% to 20% of those diagnosed with insomnia developing depression. 

Insomnia and its connection to psychological disorders is being studied even at the level of general sleep problems to chronic insomnia and sleep deprivation.

9. Those with Insomnia Are 28% More Apt to Acquire Type 2 Diabetes than Those without Insomnia.

Just one night of poor sleep has been revealed to cause blood sugar elevation. In those with chronic sleep problems like insomnia that increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

Studies have shown that not only does one night of poor sleep elevate blood sugar, but the risk of diabetes increases with each instance of insomnia. So, it’s not just related to chronic insomnia, but the duration of insomnia.

Type 2 diabetes is only one of several health risks that come from sleep problems, specifically insomnia. 

10. The Increased Risk for A Fatal Heart Attack Is 3.5 Higher in Those with Insomnia.

Studies have shown that insomnia is directly related to a number of health conditions, including heart disease.

Men and women with insomnia are both at 3.5 times the risk of experiencing a fatal heart attack.

Feeling exhausted upon waking is the most dangerous sign of insomnia. It’s been associated with people having fatal heart attacks within a year. 

Strokes are also a consequence of insomnia at 55% higher risk. That is 300% in those who suffer from daytime sleepiness. 

Added to this list of health problems associated with insomnia is dementia, Alzheimer’s, and mental disorders.

These are reasons not to fail to seek help if you suffer from insomnia.

What Age Demographic Is Most Impacted by Insomnia?

Here is where we will address the age group(s) most impacted by insomnia. Could you be at risk? 

11. People Over 60 Years Old Are Most Likely to Suffer from Insomnia.

When it comes to insomnia, it’s important to note that it’s most common in people over 60 years old.

Insomnia is the catch-all term for the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get restful sleep. 

Overall, insomnia is a very common sleep disorder, but over time this lack of sleep can result in weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health conditions already mentioned. 

The reason that insomnia is more prevalent in those over 60 is that as we grow older, it’s harder to get to sleep or stay asleep due to the changes that occur in the body in aging.

Also, medical conditions can exacerbate insomnia issues.

12. Sleep Disorders Are Common and Impact Around 70 Million Americans per Year.

This data relates to 33% to 50% of the total adult population in America. Adults are people aged 18 and older. 

Likewise, chronic insomnia linked to impairment or distress is estimated to be at between 10% and 15% in adults 18 or over. 

The required amount of sleep is between 7 and 9 hours per night, but this can vary between people.

The goal is restful sleep that allows you to be cognitively, physically, and emotionally functional upon awakening. 

13. In Adolescents, Insomnia Is a Prevalent Sleep Disorder in 9.4% of Those Aged 13 to 16.

Stats show that in a sample of 13- to 16-year olds, insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder. Furthermore, it showed that chronic insomnia is high among adolescents.

Some of the elements used in determining these statistics include evaluating nocturnal signs with or without the presentation of impaired function during the day, the frequency and severity of the sleep disorder, and other criteria.

This study also revealed that female adolescents experience a higher prevalence than males. 

14. Insomnia Impacts Around 25% of Children with Behavioral Disorders.

This form of pediatric insomnia is referred to as BIC, behavioral insomnia in children.

This includes three behavioral disorders including, limit-setting, sleep-onset association, and combined behavioral insomnia in children. 

The most common type is sleep-onset association among infants and toddlers.

This is where a child has learned to fall asleep under certain conditions like being rocked, nursed, cuddled, etc. 

Limit-setting BIC is where a child refuses to go to bed or who attempts to delay their bedtime via persistent requests like just one more story or bathroom visits. 

Finally, in combined BIC, children will experience both defiance about going to bed and reliance on certain aids at bedtime. 

15. 43% of Retirement Community Dwelling Adults 65 and Over Report Sleep Problems.

The idea that the senior population doesn’t need as much sleep as the younger population is a myth.

In a study of 9,282 retirement community adults aged 65 and over, 43% said they have difficulties with sleeping (getting to sleep and staying asleep). 

According to further statistics, another 25% of this same group said they nap during the day. 

In 2003, a poll from the National Sleep Foundation verified that seniors have sleep problems.

This poll revealed that 46% of adults 65 to 74 residing in community settings reported insomnia symptoms. Another 39% in this same age group said they took naps. 

These studies also show that the prevalence of insomnia increased by 46% to 50% among the 75 to 84 age demographic. Sadly, 50% of cases go undiagnosed.

General Insomnia Statistics 2023

Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder. In this section we will cover some general insomnia statistics that everyone should know. 

16. As Many as 95% of The American Population Reported Insomnia Episodes in Their Lifetime.

These statistics reveal that nearly every American has had some sort of experience with insomnia during their lifetime. 

Keep in mind that insomnia has to do with getting to sleep, staying asleep, and getting restful sleep. Tossing and turning is not restful sleep, and is included in the insomnia criteria. 

Getting up at night to use the restroom is another thing that affects sleep that falls into the insomnia category.

17. At Least 40 Million Americans Report Suffering from One of 70 Types of Sleep Disorders. 

Studies from the National Sleep Foundation between 1999 and 2004 revealed the following statistics.

It also revealed that 60% of American adults claim to have problems sleeping at least a few nights per week. 

Unfortunately, these studies also reported that most of these sleep disturbances are left undiagnosed and untreated. 

Over 40% of American adults report experiencing daytime sleepiness significant enough that impacts their everyday activities a few days per month.

Another 20% reported having daytime sleepiness a few days per month. 

This study also found that 60% of children have at least one sleep problem a few nights per week.

18. 25% of American Adults Experience Acute Insomnia Every Year.

While this sleep statistic is alarming, 75% of these people recovered without experiencing chronic or persistent sleep problems. 

This study was defined by people who require less than 15 minutes to fall asleep and spend less than 15 minutes of wake time during the night at least five nights a week. 

A total of 1,435 American adults were recruited and participated in this study over 2015 to 2017. 

19. Nearly One-Third of The American Population Experiences Symptoms of Insomnia.

One-third of the general population is equal to about 30% of the population that reports having some insomnia symptoms. 

This is not exclusive to any one type or level of insomnia. It includes all levels and types of this prominent sleep disorder.

Along with this data, another 9% to 15% claimed to have daytime repercussions due to nighttime insomnia. 

Also, other statistics say that 8% to 18% stated they experienced sleep dissatisfaction. Only 6% met the total criteria for an insomnia diagnosis.

20. Approximately 30% to 35% of American Adults Reported Symptoms of Short-Term Insomnia.

Some of these brief instances of insomnia symptoms included memory lapses, moodiness, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, inability to focus, lack of energy or motivation, and an increase in mistakes or accidents. 

Since this is about brief instances of insomnia, it’s not categorized as chronic, but acute since the experiences were not long-term or long-lasting. 

Stats show that stress and anxiety related to work or school can exacerbate instances of acute insomnia.

21. Close to 40% of Individuals Say They Have Accidentally Fallen Asleep During the Day.

One of the symptoms of insomnia is falling asleep during waking hours. This is due to the lack of sleep the person has gotten. 

It’s not unheard of for hard-working truckers to experience this on the road.

Even with all the rules and regulations surrounding the trucking industry, truckers still have deadlines which create sleeping issues. 

Keep in mind that most truckers will stop and sleep when they are tired, but once in a while, due to deadlines, they fear not getting paid or not getting to a drop on time.

Insomniacs are likely to fall asleep anytime and anywhere. Truckers aren’t the only people who suffer with deadlines, stress, and sleep problems.

22. Approximately 75% of Stay-At-Home Moms Have Insomnia.

Since 2014, studies have shown that women suffer from insomnia more than men, but 75% of women who are stay-at-home moms experience some form of insomnia. 

Stay-at-home moms have a lot of responsibilities, plus their lives are not routine even when they try to establish routines.

Having children will always skew any routine you might try to have at home. 

The fact that stay-at-home moms, and even dads, have problems sleeping is dangerous when they are driving back and forth to various events.

23. The Official 2023 Forecast for Acute Insomnia Figures Is Expected to Reach a Total of 130,482,156 Cases.

This figure is equal to a growth rate of .71% in acute insomnia cases. Also, chronic insomnia cases are expected to reach 67,471,957.

Since insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder, about one-third of the total population experiences some level of insomnia. 

The best way to manage insomnia is to try to resolve the root cause and get the proper treatment from your doctor.

24. Roughly 5% of People with Insomnia Fall Asleep at The Wheel.

These insomnia statistics are scary to say the least. It might make you wonder if someone driving the roads alongside you got enough sleep the night before. 

While 5% doesn’t seem like a lot, it comes to about 16.475 million people across America. That’s more than you might want to see.

There are no specific numbers on how many stay-at-home moms/parents fall asleep behind the wheel, but let’s hope it’s low, preferably non-existent. 

25. 29% of People with Insomnia Also Experience Signs or Teeth Grinding or Restless Legs Syndrome.

As we have addressed in other sections, insomnia can occur due to various chronic health conditions.

Restless legs syndrome and teeth grinding are on that list of chronic health conditions.

Another issue is that conventional treatments may not work for the long-term. Prescriptions like tranquilizers can work for a time, but when the human body adjusts to it, another prescription will be needed.

This can result in a vicious cycle of medications just to sleep.

About 35% of those with insomnia have tried over-the-counter or a prescribed sleep medication.

Getting the proper assessment for your insomnia is the key to getting the proper care and treatment to get relief so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Costs of Insomnia Care in 2023

The costs of insomnia can relate to personal costs and the costs incurred by the US government.

26. It’s Estimated that 4% of American Adults Aged 20 and Older Say They Have Used a Prescribed Sleep Aid.

The costs of these sleep aids can range from affordable to virtually unaffordable, depending on the person in need of insomnia treatment. 

Other costs include the fact that more often than not, these medications, over the counter or prescription only work for a short time. 

Maybe a person can get three or four months of relief before they have to switch treatments.

Since most of these medications are designed to make you sleepy, driving is something you should not do.

27. Early Death Has a Three Times Higher Risk in People Who Take Sleeping Pills.

It is extremely important to know about this treatment since sleeping pills are one of the most used treatments for insomnia.

The risk is three times higher for early death in those who take sleeping pills. Even taking just 18 sleeping pills per year can result in this risk.

As you might suspect, higher doses of such drugs come at a much higher risk.

28. According to Canadian Studies, There Are Indirect Costs Incurred by Insomnia. 

These costs relate to hospitalizations, work absences, insurance cover, healthcare consultations, etc. 

The annual indirect costs according to loss of productivity in the workplace came to $5 billion. 

The per-person amount was $5,010 for people with insomnia sleep disorder. Also, absenteeism related to insomnia cases came to $970.6 million.

29. Direct Costs of Insomnia in The US Came to $13.9 Billion in 1995.

These statistics are related to costs associated with prescription and over the counter medications, doctor’s visits, and other related medical treatments to help relieve insomnia. 

As in Canada, the US also incurred indirect costs associated with workplace absenteeism due to insomnia, workplace performance, and productivity in the workplace.

30. The Indirect Costs of Insomnia Sleep Disorder Accounted for $77 to $92 Billion in America in 2010.

Imagine with inflation today, what these indirect costs would be.

These insomnia stats relate to costs associated with hospitalizations, medical comorbidities, insomnia-related alcohol abuse, vehicle and workplace accidents, lessened workplace productivity, and other costs. 

Insomnia comes with financial and wellbeing costs no matter where you live.

FAQs

Conclusion

Now you have lots of insomnia statistics for 2023 to work with whether you are just curious about this sleep disorder, or you are a marketer in need of this data.

Have you ever experienced insomnia?

If so, did you get diagnosed and treated? After all, 50% of these cases go undiagnosed and untreated.

One thing to take away from this article is that insomnia is a serious sleep disorder that can cause mental and physical health problems including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, dementia, high blood pressure, and other conditions.

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