NORFOLK, Va. — Most everyone knows that doctors recommend everyone get about eight hours of sleep each night. However, recent polls show few Americans are actually following this advice.
According to Gallup's 2023 poll, 57% of people said they would feel better if they got more sleep, while 42% said they get as much sleep as they need.
Women also repeatedly reported a lack of sleep in comparison to men. Only 36% of young women said they got enough sleep, whereas the numbers jumped to 48% for men.
Dr. Eric Weiner, a sleep medicine physician for Riverside Health System, said if people continue to go without sleep it can have noticeable side effects.
When we don't get enough sleep, we become sleep deprived, we have problems with fatigue and sleepiness, concentration, memory issues, and it really impacts our quality of life," said Dr. Weiner.
The problems can escalate if sleep deprivation continues to happen on a long-term basis.
"It can actually lead to heart disease, risks of having a stroke, risks of gaining weight, among other problems," said Dr. Weiner.
Overall only a quarter of the American population said they are actually getting the recommended eight hours of sleep.
Dr. Weiner said if a person is physically having trouble going to sleep or staying asleep, it may be time to contact your local physician.
