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Second Annual Wake Up America Survey
Sleeplessness at Home and Beyond
This year’s survey highlights the far-reaching effects of insomnia that not only disrupt the nights and days of the individuals with sleep problems, but also their partners. Additionally, the results delve into the myths and falsehoods about sleep that shape dialogue between people with trouble sleeping (PWTS) and healthcare providers (HCPs).
“It’s like trying to fight through your day as opposed to enjoying the day.”
Chad S.
PWTS, Wake Up America Survey Participant
Impact on Relationships
Arguing About Trouble Sleeping
41% say their
trouble sleeping causes
them to argue more
with their partner
35% argue at least
once a month
23% feel like they are
constantly arguing
The Source of Tension
~1/3 of PWTS and partners who report arguing about trouble sleeping said it was about:
Relationship Stress
53% report their
trouble sleeping is an
added relationship
stressor
41% say
their partner has to
‘pick up the slack’
with household chores
because of their trouble sleeping
31% have
slept in a
separate bed
from their partner due to
their trouble sleeping
38% have
canceled plans
at the last minute
due to their trouble sleeping
THE BOTTOM LINE
Trouble sleeping is pervasive, affecting more than just PWTS. It infiltrates many aspects of the lives of PWTS and their partners, including quality of life and daily activities.
Misinformation Runs Rampant
Information Overload
PWTS get many suggestions on how to improve their sleep …
Blackout Curtains
Melatonin
Blue Light Glasses
OTC Sleep Aid
White Noise Machine/Fan
CBD/Marijuana
App Subscriptions
Warm Beverage
Meditation
Pillow
Avoid Alcohol
Weighted Blanket
Ear Plugs
Sleep Hygiene
Eye Mask
But NONE of these when used alone
are recommended treatments for insomnia
Myths Around Treatments Are Widespread
Melatonin
is NOT
an American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommended treatment for insomnia, yet…
Approximately
70%
of PWTS, Partners, Primary Care Physicians (PCPs)
believe it is.
Sleep hygiene alone is NOT
an AASM recommended treatment for insomnia, yet…
over 2/3 of PWTS, Partners, PCPs
say it is.
THE BOTTOM LINE
PWTS are bombarded with misinformation and suggestions to improve their sleep. While sleep hygiene and certain lifestyle changes are helpful for sleep overall, they may not be adequate treatments for insomnia.
Melatonin can be effective for circadian rhythm disorders (delayed sleep-wake phase, jet lag and shift work disorder), but is not an AASM recommended treatment for insomnia.
Disconnect & Dialogue
Changing the Sleep Conversation
Approximately twice
as many PCPs (67%)
report asking about sleep in routine visits,
as PWTS (36%) report
being asked
A disconnect exists in what patients and PCPs feel is being discussed during visits:
97%
PCPs
71%
PWTS
Asked: Do you wake several times during the night and cannot get back to sleep?
94%
PCPs
69%
PWTS
Asked: Do you have thoughts racing through your mind while trying to fall asleep?
74%
PCPs
60%
PWTS
Asked: Are you unable to fall asleep in 15 minutes or less?
97%
PCPs
57%
PWTS
Asked: Do you have anxiety which keeps you from sleeping?
Stigma Around Treatment
Nearly half
of PWTS
who take or have taken prescription sleep medication
believe there is a stigma
with having and treating insomnia.
Which prevents PWTS from …
Seeking treatment
or medication
45%
Talking to an HCP
about trouble sleeping
30%
THE BOTTOM LINE
Stigma is deep-seated for PWTS, and many are not having adequate conversations with their providers as a result, despite HCPs feeling they are initiating this dialogue. As a result, both PWTS and HCPs may not take enough action and appropriate treatment steps may not be addressed.
Conclusion
The lack of focused conversations between PWTS and their providers, myths, and stigma tied to the sleep disorder has created a perpetual cycle of misinformation and inadequate treatment outcomes.
These findings reinforce the need for:
More productive dialogue between HCPs and PWTS
Clear information on sleep and insomnia
Resources for PWTS to take action and improve their sleep
About The Alliance for Sleep
The Alliance for Sleep is sponsored by Idorsia U.S. and is a multidisciplinary committee built to promote education, awareness and research on sleep and sleep disorders. Its mission is to advance research, elevate the standard of care and improve the health and quality of life of those experiencing insomnia and other sleep disorders. Members of The Alliance for Sleep are paid consultants for Idorsia Pharmaceuticals US, Inc.
Methodology Statement
The 2022 Wake Up America Survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Idorsia from August – September 2022 among 301 Primary Care Providers (PCPs) and 301 Sleep Specialists specializing in Neurology, Psychiatry, or Pulmonary diseases who practice in the US and are duly licensed, 1,098 U.S. adults age 18+ diagnosed with insomnia or experience trouble sleeping, not diagnosed with substance abuse or sleep apnea, and, if they have a partner, that partner is age 18+ and not diagnosed with sleep apnea or substance abuse (i.e., patients), and 1,005 U.S. adults age 18+ not diagnosed with substance abuse or sleep apnea, who have a partner age 18+ diagnosed with insomnia or experience trouble sleeping and not diagnosed with substance abuse or sleep apnea (i.e., partners). Results for each audience were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.
To complement the second annual Wake Up America survey – a quantitative survey of (independent samples of) PWTS, partners, and HCPs – Harris Poll conducted a series of qualitative in-depth interviews (IDIs) among pairs, or couples, of PWTS and their partner. A total of 20 individual in-depth interviews were conducted among 10 pairs of PWTS and their partner. Interviews were conducted separately, administered via webcam and approximately 60 minutes in length.
For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact [email protected].