Insufficient sleep in the Danish adult population: A 10-year trend analysis

To examine (1) trends in insufficient sleep among adults in Denmark from 2013 to 2023; (2) sociodemographic characteristics associated with insufficient sleep; and (3) self-reported reasons for insufficient sleep.

Data were derived from the nationally representative Danish Health and Morbidity Surveys conducted in 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2023. In each wave 25,000 individuals aged 16 years or older were invited to participate (response proportions: 40%-60%). Insufficient sleep was measured as never or almost never getting enough sleep to feel well-rested.

The proportions reporting insufficient sleep increased from 10.3% in 2013 to 15.9% in 2023. Consistently, a higher proportion was observed among women, and among the younger age groups (age 16-44years). A clear social gradient was observed, with higher odds of insufficient sleep among those with <10years education (OR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.91; 2.37) compared to those with ≥15years of education. Self-reported reasons for insufficient sleep varied slightly across survey waves. In 2023, primary reasons included thoughts and worries related to family or personal matters (44.4%) and getting to bed too late due to entertainment from digital devices (35.5%). However, the specific reasons varied by sex and age groups.

The proportion of adults reporting insufficient sleep has increased substantially over the past decade. Clear and consistent sex and age differences, as well as social inequalities in insufficient sleep in all waves indicate the need for targeted initiatives promoting sleep health.