Many people say they are always tired. They go to bed late, wake up early and often feel they have not had enough sleep.
Many people say they never get enough sleep. Busy jobs, family responsibilities and technology all compete for our attention, making it harder than ever to switch off. Although modern life has become more comfortable in many ways, it has also made it easier to stay awake late into the night.
In the past, life followed the natural pattern of daylight. Before electricity, people usually went to bed not long after the sun had set because there was little to do in the dark. Candles and oil lamps provided only a small amount of light, so evenings were generally much shorter than they are today.
Everything changed when electricity became common. Homes stayed bright after sunset, people could work longer, and television later became a popular evening activity. Today, smartphones, social media and streaming services keep people entertained at any time of the day or night. It is very easy to spend "just five more minutes" online, only to realise an hour has passed.
Experts believe that adults in many countries now sleep between 6.5 and 7 hours each night, while people in the past often slept around 8 to 9 hours. Although it is difficult to compare different periods exactly, most researchers agree that modern adults sleep less than previous generations.
One reason is something called revenge bedtime procrastination. This happens when people delay going to bed because they want some free time after a long day at work or school. They know they should sleep, but they continue watching videos or scrolling through social media. This behaviour can perpetuate unhealthy sleeping habits, making it harder to go to bed earlier in the future.
Work is another reason why people sleep less. Many businesses operate around the world, so employees sometimes answer emails outside normal working hours. Some people, such as nurses, police officers and factory workers, work night shifts and have to sleep during the day. This can affect the body's natural circadian rhythm, making it more difficult to get good-quality sleep.
Stress also has a major impact. Worrying about money, work, relationships or the news can keep people awake at night. Looking at a phone before bed can make the problem worse because bright screens and constant notifications tell the brain to stay alert instead of preparing for sleep.
Modern lifestyles have also become more sedentary. Many people spend most of the day sitting at a desk before relaxing on the sofa in the evening. Regular exercise helps people sleep better, but spending too much time sitting and too little time outdoors can make falling asleep more difficult.
Health experts recommend that most adults sleep between seven and nine hours every night. Teenagers usually need even more because their bodies and brains are still developing. However, many people believe they can manage well on only five or six hours of sleep. While this may seem possible for a short time, research shows that most people become less focused, less productive and more likely to make mistakes.
Sleep is much more important than simply resting. During the night, the brain stores memories, repairs itself and removes waste that builds up during the day. The body also repairs muscles and produces hormones that help us stay healthy. This restorative process is one of the reasons why we usually feel refreshed after a good night's sleep.
Long-term sleep deprivation can have serious effects on health. Studies have linked poor sleep to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, depression and a weaker immune system. It can also reduce concentration and slow reaction times, making activities such as driving more dangerous.
Interestingly, historians believe that people in the past did not always sleep for one long period. Some would sleep for several hours, wake up for a short time during the night to read, pray or complete simple tasks, and then go back to sleep until morning. This pattern gradually disappeared as modern working hours became more common.
The good news is that improving sleep does not have to be complicated. Going to bed at the same time each night, limiting screen time before bed, avoiding caffeine in the evening, exercising regularly and keeping the bedroom cool and dark can all improve sleep quality.
Modern technology has made life easier in many ways, but it has also made it more difficult to rest. Protecting our sleep is one of the best things we can do for our health, our mood and our ability to perform well every day.
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