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US Adults Turn to Sleep Aids Daily
29 Apr
Summary
- Nearly 13% of US adults use medication, supplements, or marijuana for sleep.
- Women and older adults are more likely to use prescription sleep aids.
- Poor sleep is linked to serious health issues like heart disease.
A recent federal study reveals that approximately 13% of adults in the United States are using various aids to help them sleep. These aids include prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and marijuana or CBD products. The findings underscore a potential demand for novel therapeutic solutions to address widespread sleep difficulties.
Data from the 2024 survey indicates that about 5% of US adults use prescription sleep medication, nearly 6% turn to over-the-counter options or supplements, and almost 4% consume marijuana or CBD products. This self-medication pattern mirrors the increasing reports of sleep disturbances over time.
Women are more likely than men to use sleep aids, with prescription use appearing to rise with age. Conversely, younger adults tend to favor marijuana or CBD for sleep. This widespread issue is critical, as roughly a third of Americans fail to get the recommended seven hours of sleep nightly, which can precipitate serious health problems including cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders.
