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

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

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, 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. A study conducted among 10,220 adolescents in Norway found that 23.8% reported experiencing insomnia.

Generation Z has been dubbed the generation that never sleeps and only 15% of Gen Z felt that they get enough sleep. 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.

These prolonged periods of low quality and quantity of sleep are related to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, irritability, low moods, fatigue, suicide risk, lapses in attention, sleepiness during the day, work and car accidents, burnout, obesity, etc.

To understand sleep disturbances, it is first important to understand circadian cycles. During 24-hours, there are certain physiological and behavioral processes, that primarily respond to and are in sync with light and darkness that contribute to our sleep-wake cycle. The suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus is the center of the brain that controls this.

Psychol Cogn Sci Open J. 2023; 9(1): 1-3. doi: 10.17140/PCSOJ-9-167