Final answer:
Between 30% and 50% of the population suffers from a sleep disorder at some point, with stress as a common contributing factor. Studies imply that recent increases in stress levels could have exacerbated these issues. Proper stress management and treatment for insomnia are essential for health.
Step-by-step explanation:
While specific percentages fluctuate depending on the study and population, there is a significant portion of the U.S. population that report their stress levels interfere with their sleep. Studies such as those by Bixler et al. (1979) and Hossain & Shapiro (2002) suggest between 30% and 50% of the population suffers from a sleep disorder at some point, with stress being a contributing factor. The difficulty in falling or staying asleep due to stress is a common aspect of insomnia. Moreover, with increased stress levels over the past five years, as reported by Neelakantan (2013), we can infer that the number may align with these statistics or possibly be higher due to added socio-economic factors, like the 2008-2009 economic downturn, which particularly affected certain demographics.
It is crucial to understand that increased levels of anxiety can lead to more significant struggles with insomnia, resulting in a problematic cycle of sleep disturbance. When it comes to treatment, altering sleep hygiene may not be sufficient for many individuals. Stress and the resulting sleep disturbances can have serious implications on health, which is why considerable attention should be given to both stress management and dealing with insomnia, whether through medical intervention or other therapeutic methods.