Bedtimes Are Irregular for Many Americans, and One Nightly Habit May Help

Hatch's State of Sleep report analyzed millions of anonymized Restore smart clock patterns and found that wake times are often consistent while bedtimes are not; over 30% of users lack a regular bedtime and nearly half shift bedtimes by two or more hours in a week. The report notes simple wind-down routines, like dimming lights or putting the phone down, can signal the brain it's time to sleep.

Many Americans set regular wake times but have irregular bedtimes, according to Hatch's first State of Sleep report. The company analyzed millions of anonymized patterns from its Restore smart sleep clock over the past year. More than 30 percent of Restore users lack a consistent bedtime, and nearly half shift bedtimes by two or more hours in a week. Irregular bedtimes are discussed because studies link later or variable sleep timing to metabolic and heart-related issues, while predictable bedtimes help regulate the circadian rhythm. Key findings: - Hatch analyzed millions of anonymized Restore smart clock patterns from the past year. - Over 30 percent of Restore users lack a consistent bedtime. - Nearly half of users have bedtimes that vary by two or more hours during a given week. - Wake-up times are generally more consistent than bedtimes. - The report highlights simple nightly rituals—dimming lights, putting the phone down, or listening to the same sound—as cues that can signal the brain it's time to sleep. Summary: The report highlights a widening bedtime gap in which many people keep steady wake times but vary nights. That variability has been linked in studies to metabolic and cardiovascular concerns and to changes in mood and cognition. Undetermined at this time.