Adults, physicians not discussing sleep, according to AASM survey

DARIEN, Ill. – Nearly half of adults (45%) have not discussed sleep with their health care professional, with women less likely to have these conversations than men, according to a new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

“Sleep is deeply connected to cardiovascular health, mental health, immune function and longevity,” said AASM spokesperson Dr. Indira Gurubhagavatula. “When patients don't get the opportunity to address sleep disorders, the consequences can be serious. Insufficient sleep is linked to elevated risks of heart disease, depression, metabolic disorders, cognitive decline and daytime sleepiness, which can lead to driving accidents, workplace errors, and inappropriate sleep episodes. Discussing sleep habits with a health professional is important for both long-term well-being and quality of life.”

The AASM recommends that adults should sleep seven hours or more per night on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

Despite this guidance, many Americans are falling short. In fact, nearly one-third of American adults are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis, according to the organization.

 “Sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea are often underdiagnosed because medical conversations about sleep simply never start,” added Gurubhagavatula. “When health care professionals don't ask about sleep, and patients don't bring it up, disorders can go untreated for years. We encourage clinicians and patients to make sleep part of the conversation at their next health care visit."

The AASM recommends that adults consider the following questions before meeting with their health care professional:

• Do you get the recommended seven or more hours of sleep each night?
• Do you wake up feeling rested and refreshed?
• Do you have trouble falling or staying asleep? For how long have you noticed this pattern?
• Do you regularly feel sleepy during the day?
• Do you snore? Or have you woken up in the night gasping for air?

View 2025 AASM Sleep Prioritization Survey results in the AASM newsroom.