Back-to-school rush could reduce sleep, survey finds

The coming back‑to‑school season is expected to erode sleep for many American families, according to a new survey released this week. The study, conducted by the National Sleep Foundation in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics, surveyed 3,200 parents across the United States and found that the demands of work, school, and family life are pushing healthy sleep to the background.

Results showed that 62 % of parents reported sleeping less than the recommended seven hours per night, while 48 % of children aged 6‑12 were getting fewer than eight hours. Respondents cited earlier school start times, increased homework loads, and after‑school activities as primary drivers of the sleep deficit. The survey also highlighted that 35 % of parents work beyond 5 p.m., leaving little time for bedtime routines. These findings echo broader national data indicating a steady decline in sleep duration among both adults and children over the past decade.

The study underscores the growing need for sleep‑friendly policies and practices in schools and workplaces. While the survey does not prescribe specific solutions, it calls attention to the importance of aligning school schedules, workload expectations, and parental work hours with the sleep needs of families to promote overall health and well‑being.