Sleep is fundamental to our overall health and quality of life. Yet, sleep quality is declining. In the United States, 20-30% of adults report struggling with sleep disturbances, and 1 in 3 don't get enough sleep. Certain groups, like older adults, women, and those with health or mental health concerns (especially depression), are more likely to experience sleep problems. These disturbances, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep and can lead to early-morning awakenings with an inability to return to sleep. The impact goes beyond just feeling tired; it affects our mental and physical health, relationships, and work.

Why should you make sleep a priority?

Boost Your Brainpower‍

Poor sleep impairs cognitive function – impacting attention, memory, and decision-making. This leads to slower reactions and more mistakes, affecting everything from driving to work productivity. Sleep problems, especially insomnia, cost the US economy an estimated $95.5 to $107.5 billion annually due to lost productivity and increased healthcare costs. Research shows that poor sleep affects employee performance, safety, and overall health, impacting organizational success. 

De-Stress‍

Good sleep is essential for managing stress, even at the physiological level as it regulates cortisol, the stress hormone. When we don't sleep well, cortisol levels can spike, increasing stress. A 2021 study found that Headspace sleep music, sleepcasts, and guided meditations significantly improved sleep and reduced stress. Additionally, a 2023 study showed that the Headspace Managing Stress Program improved sleep quality alongside reducing stress.

‍Decrease anxiety and improve mental health

Poor sleep is linked to a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Specifically, sleep deprivation increases acute anxiety risk, and up to 90% of people with depression report sleep problems. Sleep disturbances are also common in adolescents with ADHD. A 2022 study of Headspace showed that 4 weeks of Headspace significantly improved both anxiety and sleep quality in adolescents with ADHD.‍

Improve physical health 

Sleep impacts your immune system making you more susceptible to illness. Sleep problems are also associated with diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, all of which affect quality of life and increase healthcare costs.

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How can you sleep better?

Research supports the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), delivered in person or digitally, and meditation and mindfulness to improve sleep. Digital tools like Headspace offer accessible and evidence-based ways to build healthy sleep routines and address the mental and physical factors that affect sleep.

At Headspace, we offer a range of sleep solutions including sleep music, soundscapes, sleepcasts, and sleep meditations. Our content is scientifically proven to improve sleep quality, efficiency, duration, and latency, and to reduce overall sleep problems.

Our new Finding Your Best Sleep program developed by clinical experts, uses evidence-based practices like CBT-I and mindfulness to improve sleep quality. This three-week program helps you develop new skills, track your progress, and build resilience for better sleep, less stress, and more happiness, in just 10 minutes a day.

Ready to improve your sleep? Try 14 days of Headspace free, or if you're already a member, explore our sleep content.