Survey Shows Olympic Excitement Leads to Tired Americans

From heart-pounding races to jaw-dropping performances, the Olympics offer a spectacle that resonates deeply with people all over the country. However, amid the thrills and enthusiasm, a significant number of Americans find themselves sleepier than usual. A 2024 survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine reveals that nearly one-fourth (23%) of Americans say they are extremely or somewhat tired during the Olympics. 

“The Olympics often lead to disrupted sleep schedules as viewers stay up late to catch live events or key moments, and the emotional investment in the triumphs and defeats of the athletes can also contribute to heightened alertness, which can make it harder to fall asleep,” explained Dr. Andrea Matsumura, sleep medicine specialist and spokesperson for the AASM. “This combination of late-night viewing and emotional engagement can mess up our sleep patterns, leading to feelings of tiredness the next day.” 

Throughout the Games, the survey found that younger demographics are more likely to say they feel tired, including 38% of respondents aged 18-24 and 35% of those aged 25-34. Additionally, men (29%) are more likely to be tired during the Olympics than women (18%). 

“Just as athletes need time to rest and recharge for peak performance, so do we,” advises Matsumura. “No matter what the occasion or the celebration, prioritizing sleep and developing healthy sleep habits will always help you function and feel your best.”  

In honor of the 2024 Olympics, the AASM is highlighting the importance of healthy sleep for Americans and offering the following tips: 

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Try to get up at the same time every day, even during special events. 

• Make your bedroom quiet and relaxing. Keep the room at a comfortable, cool temperature.   

• Limit exposure to bright light in the evenings and turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.   

• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.   

• Avoid consuming caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bedtime.   

• If you are struggling to fall asleep, get out of bed. Do a quiet activity without a lot of light exposure until you feel sleepy.   

The AASM recommends that most adults should sleep seven or more hours per night on a regular basis to promote optimal health, productivity, and daytime alertness. For more information, or to find a local AASM-accredited sleep center, please visit sleepeduation.org. 

View 2024 AASM Sleep Prioritization Survey results in the AASM newsroom.  

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About the Survey   

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned an online survey of 2,006 adults in the U.S. The overall margin of error fell within +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence interval of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between May 16-24, 2024. Atomik Research is an independent market research agency.  

About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine     

Established in 1975, the AASM advances sleep care and enhances sleep health to improve lives. The AASM has a combined membership of 12,000 accredited sleep centers and individuals, including physicians, scientists and other health care professionals who care for patients with sleep disorders. As the leader in the sleep field, the AASM sets standards and promotes excellence in sleep medicine health care, education and research (aasm.org).