Trouble falling and staying asleep? Simple techniques may help

Many U.S. adults report difficulty falling or staying asleep, and experts in the article describe strategies such as keeping a consistent sleep-wake schedule, timing light exposure, limiting long naps, and creating a sleep-friendly bedroom.

Many U.S. adults report trouble falling or staying asleep, according to recent polls and health organizations. The National Sleep Foundation's 2025 Sleep in America Poll found about 60 percent of adults are struggling to get enough sleep, and nearly four in 10 report difficulty falling asleep at least three nights a week. The article notes that federally recommended sleep (about seven hours) is linked to lower risk of some chronic conditions and better attention and memory. Experts quoted in the article describe strategies that align daily routines and the sleep environment with the body's internal clock. What the article reports: - The 2025 poll cited in the article found about 60% of U.S. adults report not getting enough sleep, and nearly four in 10 have trouble falling asleep several nights a week. - The article references estimates from the American Brain Foundation that about 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep or wakefulness disorders. - Sleep experts in the piece say maintaining a consistent sleep-wake schedule anchors the circadian rhythm, and melatonin levels typically rise about two hours before usual sleep time. - Reported daytime measures include getting daylight exposure in the morning and afternoon and limiting long or late naps, per Johns Hopkins and the Mayo Clinic. - For staying asleep, the article highlights bedroom factors: keeping temperature near 65–70°F, reducing light at night, and reserving the bed for sleep and sex, as noted by Cleveland Clinic and Harvard Health. Summary: Adopting consistent sleep timing and a sleep-friendly environment is presented in the article as influencing how easily people fall and stay asleep. The article also notes that specific conditions such as delayed sleep phase syndrome can be treated with melatonin or light therapy; broader next steps are undetermined at this time.