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Updated: Dec 22, 2025
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Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
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Sleep, Health, and Society
1Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, PO Box 245002, BUMC Suite 7326, Tucson, AZ 85724-5002, USA.
Sleep Medicine Clinics
|May 11, 2020
Summary
Societal factors significantly impact sleep behaviors and health. Understanding these influences is crucial for addressing widespread sleep issues and their health consequences in the US.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Science
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Biological sleep needs are influenced by environmental, social, and societal factors.
- Prevalence of insufficient sleep duration and sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea is high in the US.
- Sleep impacts cardiovascular health, metabolism, neurocognition, and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the downstream health consequences of insufficient sleep.
- To examine societal factors influencing sleep patterns and outcomes.
- To discuss public health implications related to sleep.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on sleep, health, and societal influences.
- Analysis of factors including age, sex, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
- Exploration of broader societal trends like globalization and technology use.
Main Results:
- Insufficient sleep is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
- Sleep disorders and duration impact neurocognitive function and mortality rates.
- Societal elements like public policy, safety, and technology significantly shape sleep health.
Conclusions:
- Sleep health is a complex issue influenced by a multitude of societal factors.
- Addressing sleep disparities and public policy is essential for improving population health.
- Further research into technology's impact on sleep is warranted.
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