IKEA’s latest global sleep study, surveying over 55,000 people from 57 countries, offers a fascinating snapshot of how the world rests, and struggles to. From endless scrolling to sleepless stress, the results reveal a universal battle for better shut-eye.
The report highlights that technology is a major sleep thief, with many admitting to doom-scrolling in bed, sabotaging their slumber. Stress and anxiety are also major culprits, disrupting sleep patterns and leaving millions restless. Despite these hurdles, the average global sleep quality score sits at a middling 63 out of 100, showing plenty of room for improvement.
But it’s not all bad news. IKEA offers some timeless tips to chase better zzz’s: Keep your bedroom cool and dark, invest in a comfy mattress, and unplug from devices before bed. The message is clear: while sleep struggles may be universal, the path to a restful night is closer than we think.
A cool room is easier with breathable bedding, and linen is a good place to start. Parachute makes linen bedding that gets softer with every wash. (We may earn a commission if you buy through that link.)
Below are some slides from the report that we found especially fascinating.
Some quick findings from the report:
- Global Sleep Deficit: People average 6 hours and 40 minutes of sleep, losing over 20 days of rest annually. Desired: 8 hours.
- China’s Sleep Success: Mainland China leads with over 7 hours per night and a global sleep score of 74.
- U.S. and Tech Trouble: 72% of Americans use phones in bed, contributing to some of the worst global sleep patterns.
- Australia’s Sleep Aid Dependence: 20% use sleep medication regularly, yet 90% still wake up tired.
- Stress is Global: 17% say stress is their biggest sleep disruptor, highlighting a universal struggle.
- Napping Nations: 65% of people nap, averaging 33 minutes, especially parents and remote workers.
- Sleep and Wealth: Higher-income earners report better sleep scores (67) than lower earners (59).
- Bed-Sharing Benefits: Couples who share a bed average a higher sleep score (65) than solo sleepers (61).
- Egypt’s Midnight Culture: Egyptians average one of the latest bedtimes globally, with night socializing often cutting into sleep hours.
“
Sleep is fascinating, and despite
us all experiencing it every
day, it is different for each one
of us. Sleep is so much more
than rest. For me, it’s a mirror
for your overall health.”
-Dr Christian Benedict
Neuroscientist at Uppsala University
