A study performed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau, as well as through time-use diaries collected by UM researchers, shows that Americans sleep as many hours now as 40 years ago - on average over 8 hours a night (check the story here). It is important to note that they are not saying that sleep disorders such as insomnia and waking up often are not being suffered out there by many.
This contrasts significantly with the National Sleep Foundations' findings of under 7 hours of sleep on average. Their stats, some would say suspect stats as the Foundation is partially funded by drug companies, tried to take into account the quality of sleep and whether the sleep was broken up and so forth.
Its interesting how your own personal situation colours your view of these reports. As someone with sleep problems, I am very skeptical of the claim that the majority of Americans (note: I am Canadian but I don't think when it comes to sleep we are any different than our neighbours to the south) are having over 8 hours of sleep on average. Anyone with a job and/or going to school would think that an 8 hour sleep was some sort of myth for most if not every night of the week :-) However, those lucky enough (and good for you!!) that are able to achieve that much sleep a night would think that the results make perfect sense.
Not much of a factor either way for those with sleep disorders, but interesting reading nonetheless :)
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