Sleep Deprivation is the New Smoking

The CDC recently reported that more than one-third of American adults do not get enough sleep on a regular basis. In fact, it’s now a public health epidemic, with research linking a lack of shut-eye to numerous health problems. Our cognitive functions are impaired, so we are more likely to overreact, and our emotional intelligence is degraded, so we are more likely to be irritable. There’s even research connecting sleep deprivation to mental health problems and depression.

In the last few years, many new tech products have emerged aiming at helping people get more and better shuteye, to help people sleep, including nighttime wearables, sleep trackers, smart pillows, even sleep robots.

Now, more health and wellness companies are trying to help address the issue. Last year, Equinox announced a new “sleep coach” program for its members, as well as a clinical research study demonstrating how sleep impacts performance.  And this month, Nightfood is betting on sleep health becoming the next big functional food category, launching its new line of ice cream aimed at complementing the human sleep cycle.

Expect more products aimed at helping insomniacs pop in even more categories as sleep-deprived Americans further prioritize their time in bed.

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