As the 2024 presidential election nears, many are losing sleep. A survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine reveals that nearly half of people (46%) have lost sleep due to worries about the election.

Election fatigue and other worries

Election night fatigue is real. About 34% of people feel tired the morning after Election Day. But this stress isn’t the only thing stealing our sleep.

The survey identified some other stressors behind sleepless nights:

  • 81% of people have lost sleep due to financial concerns
  • 57% report job security as a source of sleep loss
  • More than half (54%) of adults have lost sleep due to worries about global conflict
  • 41% of people have lost sleep due to worries about AI and emerging technology

Why are these issues so stressful? Dr. Andrew Spector, sleep medicine physician and spokesperson for the AASM, explained. “Worries surrounding the election and other major global issues can trigger a cycle of anxiety and sleeplessness, which takes a serious toll on mental and physical health,” he said. “The world is stressful enough without adding the strain of sleepless nights.”

Tips for better sleep

Feeling overwhelmed? Here are some tips from Dr. Spector to help you sleep better as the election approaches:

  • Cut down on social media: Scrolling before bed can keep you awake. Even if it’s not stressing you out, it still can be a sleep thief.
  • Say no to late-night drinks: Avoid alcohol close to bedtime. Sure, it might help you fall asleep faster, but your sleep quality will suffer.
  • Embrace an active mind: Brains don’t shut off at night any more than hearts and lungs do. Trying to clear your mind can be stressful and make it harder to fall asleep.
  • Make time for yourself: Before bed, do something that puts you in a relaxed state. It’s OK if that involves a screen.
  • Stop obsessing over sleep: If you sleep a little less until the election is over, it’s not a disaster. Just try to get back to your routine as soon as you can.

Small changes, big impact

Dr. Spector said, “We live in an information-saturated world, which can overwhelm our ability to unwind at night.” He suggested disconnecting from news and social media before bed. These small changes can help reduce sleep disruptions. You’ll be better equipped to handle daily stresses, especially those tied to big events like an election.

This article was originally published as a press release on Newswise.

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