Short Sleep Duration in Working American Adults, 2010–2018

Short sleep duration is detrimental to physical and mental health. In this study, we explored the epidemiology of short sleep duration (< 7 h) in working American adults from 2010 to 2018. Data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were analyzed to describe the prevalence and trends of short sleep duration by demographic and employment characteristics of working American adults. Overall, the prevalence of short sleep duration in working American adults increased significantly from 2010 to 2018 (30.9% in 2010 to 35.6% in 2018). Across the 9-year study period, short sleep duration prevalence varied significantly by demographic characteristics (i.e. age, race, marital status, number of children in the household, residing region, level of education) and occupational characteristics. Compared to 2010, the odds of short sleep duration were statistically significantly higher in 2018 despite adjusting for demographic characteristics (25% higher) and occupational characteristics (22% higher). In 2018, the highest levels of short sleep duration were found for the following categories of jobs: protective service and military (50%), healthcare support occupations (45%), transport and material moving (41%), and production occupations (41%). Sleep hygiene education may be especially useful for those in occupations with high rates of short sleep duration.