Trending Now - Uncovering Sleep Saboteurs: Why You Still Feel Tired
WHO:
Dr. Wendy Troxel, licensed clinical psychologist and senior behavioral scientist at RAND, based in Utah.
Approximately one in three adults.
WHAT:
A 2024 Gallup poll found that only 26% of Americans get at least eight hours of nightly sleep.
Dr. Troxel stated, "About one in three adults has non-restorative sleep quality."
Troxel noted that women are twice as likely to have insomnia compared to men, and their risk for sleep disturbances "skyrockets" during the menopausal transition.
Troxel emphasized that sleep deprivation causes impairments in judgment, stating, "That means someone who thinks they're fine with only four hours of sleep per night likely isn't aware of the impact sleep deprivation has on their cognition and performance."
Troxel recommended taking small steps toward sleeping longer, suggesting adding about 15 minutes each night to improve sleep duration.
About one in three adults has poor sleep quality.
Dr. Troxel stated, "Many people will say, ‘Man, I'm sleeping enough, I got seven to eight hours of sleep, but I still wake up feeling groggy and not refreshed.’"
Women are twice as likely to have insomnia compared to men.
Women may need about 10 to 15 extra minutes of sleep per night compared to men.
Troxel recommends adding about 15 minutes of sleep each night to improve sleep duration.
WHERE:
RAND Corporation, Utah.
WHEN:
The information is relevant as of 2026.
WHY:
Poor sleep quality can be caused by factors such as alcohol consumption, caffeine intake late in the day, stress, and phone use at bedtime.
Troxel noted that women's sleep quality often suffers more than men's, especially during the menopausal transition.
HOW:
Troxel advised that exercise should be avoided too close to bedtime, stating, "Exercise is very stimulating, particularly if it's in a social environment, and that can disrupt sleep."
Troxel suggests following a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a consistent sleep-wake schedule to improve sleep quality.
Eating a nutritious diet and avoiding heavy meals before bedtime can enhance sleep quality.
Exercise is recommended to promote quality sleep, but vigorous activity should be avoided close to bedtime.
(UPDATED March 23, 2026 11:23 UTC)
A recent Gallup poll revealed that only 26% of Americans are getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, with Dr. Troxel highlighting that about one in three adults experience non-restorative sleep quality. She pointed out that women are twice as likely to suffer from insomnia compared to men, especially during the menopausal transition, and emphasized that sleep deprivation can significantly impair judgment and cognitive performance. To improve sleep duration, Troxel recommends gradually adding about 15 minutes to your nightly rest and advises against exercising too close to bedtime, as it can be too stimulating and disrupt sleep.
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(UPDATED March 23, 2026 04:04 UTC)
A recent report from Dr. Wendy Troxel, a licensed clinical psychologist at RAND in Utah, reveals that about one in three adults struggles with poor sleep quality. She emphasizes that many people feel groggy despite getting seven to eight hours of sleep, and notes that women are twice as likely to experience insomnia compared to men, often needing an extra 10 to 15 minutes of sleep each night. To improve sleep, Troxel recommends adopting a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a consistent sleep-wake schedule, and avoiding heavy meals and vigorous exercise close to bedtime.