Modern-Day Contributors to Sleep Disturbances in Generation Z: A Look at Chronotherapy and Other Solutions

Abstract

Sleep is an important biological process that affects both physical and mental health. Modern-day stressors and technology have led to certain behavior patterns that have become an active threat to sleep. The 2021 Philips Global Sleep Survey conducted among 13,000 individuals of ages 18 and above, across 13 countries (South East Asian and European countries, US and Australia), reported that 76% of adults reported having one or more sleep issues; with stress being the most reported hurdle. These sleep challenges were further exacerbated by the pandemic. The survey also pointed out that, 37% of adults experienced insomnia and 62% of adults felt they don’t sleep well.1 A study conducted among 10,220 adolescents (16-19-years) in Norway found that 23.8% reported experiencing insomnia.2 Generation Z (Gen Z) (1997-2013) has been dubbed the generation that never sleeps and only 15% of Gen Z felt that they get enough sleep.3 A survey in the US conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine among 2,010 individuals found that almost 93% of Gen Z stayed up late; because of their phones and social media usage.