Sleep is essential for physical health, emotional balance, and focus. It supports memory, helps regulate mood, and gives the body time to recover. Still, many people face problems like sleep deprivation, poor sleep habits, or even common sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
Stress also plays a role in sleep challenges, and survey results on who feels stress in America the most reveal how external pressures often affect rest quality. When stress remains unmanaged, it can lead to disrupted sleep cycles and difficulty achieving restorative rest.
The Ipsos iSay community survey* asked people about their current sleep quality, what steps they take to improve it, and how they manage rest in their daily lives. The results highlight how sleep affects both health and well-being, and what people do to get enough quality sleep.
Current Sleep Quality
Here is everything in more detail.
Excellent Sleep
17% rated their current sleep quality as excellent. These individuals often follow healthy sleep habits, such as sticking to a regular sleep schedule or keeping a restful environment that helps them sleep more deeply.
Good Sleep
41% said their sleep quality is good. Many in this group get enough sleep most nights but may still experience disrupted sleep or uneven sleep patterns from time to time.
Fair Sleep
31% described their sleep quality as fair. This suggests that many people face challenges like lack of sleep, irregular sleep cycles, or difficulty reaching restorative deep sleep and REM sleep.
Poor Sleep
10% rated their sleep as poor. Sleep studies show that sleep deficiency increases the risk of chronic health issues, and this group may be more vulnerable to fatigue, stress, and reduced productivity.
Very Poor Sleep
2% reported very poor sleep quality. This small but significant group may be affected by chronic sleep disorders that cause trouble with nighttime sleep or prevent them from getting a good night’s sleep at the right times.
Efforts to Improve Sleep and Rest
Here is what our research shows.
Actively Working on Sleep Habits
78% are actively working on improving or maintaining their sleep and rest. These people are taking action to establish healthy sleep habits and reduce sleep debt.
Not Focused on Sleep Habits
22% said they are not currently working on sleep habits. This could be due to a lack of awareness, time pressures, or not recognizing how much sleep affects long-term health.
For many, lifestyle choices and responsibilities play a big role, and striking the right work-life balance can determine how much time is available for quality rest. A more balanced routine often supports both productivity and better sleep.
Practices That Enhance Sleep Quality
Here is more about practices that enhance sleep quality.
Regular Sleep Schedule
45% maintain a regular sleep schedule. Going to sleep and waking up at consistent times helps regulate the sleep cycle and supports better sleep.
Creating a Restful Environment
34% make their bedrooms restful, adjusting light, temperature, and noise. A calm sleep environment supports non-REM sleep and deep sleep.
Limiting Screen Time Before Bed
33% avoid screens before bedtime. Blue light exposure can disrupt sleep by interfering with the body’s natural sleep and wake rhythm.
Relaxation Techniques
27% practice meditation, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques. These methods help reduce stress and prepare the mind and body for quality sleep.
Listening to Calming Music
33% listen to soothing music before bed. This practice helps reduce sleep interruptions and allows the mind to transition into periods of rest.
Aromatherapy or Essential Oils
14% use aromatherapy or essential oils. Scents like lavender can help people sleep by promoting calmness and lowering stress levels.
Reading Before Bed
23% read before going to sleep. This helps replace screen time and provides a quiet transition into sleep.
Avoiding Caffeine or Heavy Meals
40% avoid caffeine or heavy meals in the evening. Both can disrupt sleep patterns and affect the ability to sleep at the right times.
Regular Exercise, Not Near Bedtime
31% exercise regularly but avoid doing so close to bedtime. Physical activity helps improve sleep quality, but exercising too late can make it harder to fall asleep.
Keeping the Bedroom Cool and Dark
54% keep their bedrooms cool and dark. This is the most common strategy and supports good quality sleep across all stages of sleep.
Comfortable Mattress and Pillows
46% rely on a comfortable mattress and pillows. Sleep studies confirm that proper support helps people sleep longer and more deeply.
Following a Bedtime Routine
39% use a bedtime routine. Repeating the same calming steps each night signals the body to prepare for nighttime sleep.
Other or None
2% said they use other methods, while 1% reported none of these practices.
Your Sleep and Rest Check-In
The Ipsos iSay community research may indicate that most people prefer to actively improve their sleep and rest, whether through better environments, relaxation techniques, or healthy routines. Still, challenges like disrupted sleep, irregular patterns, and lack of sleep remain.
Getting enough quality sleep at the right times benefits both mental and physical health. From improving mood to lowering the risk of chronic conditions, the benefits of sleep and rest are far-reaching. Reflect on your own sleep habits and consider small changes that may help you sleep better and more deeply.
*Source: Ipsos study conducted July 10 - 14, 2025, on 1,000 US Ipsos iSay members
