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New research shows that the average adult falls asleep at 11:18, over 40 minutes after they got into bed
In A Nutshell
- Most Americans climb into bed by 10:36 p.m. but don’t fall asleep until around 11:18 p.m.
- On average, it takes about 40 minutes to drift off, with three mornings per week marked by regret over not going to bed earlier.
- Common reasons for staying up include unfinished chores (29%), savoring quiet nighttime hours (21%), and avoiding the next workday (15%).
- Nearly half of couples share a bed, but only 49% say they sleep better that way—snoring and tossing partners are top disruptors.
- Back-to-school season brings earlier wake-ups and later nights for parents, with over half anticipating worse sleep.
NEW YORK — Most Americans think they’re ready for sleep by 10:36 p.m., but their brains have other plans. A new study shows the average person lies awake for 42 minutes before actually falling asleep at 11:18 p.m. and wakes up three mornings per week wishing they’d gone to bed earlier.
The Talker Research survey of 2,000 Americans reveals the gap between our sleep intentions and reality, showing why millions of people struggle with the same nightly routine of getting into bed but remaining frustratingly awake.
American bedtime routines follow a predictable pattern. Most people begin getting ready for bed at 10:15 p.m., spending 21 minutes on their nighttime routine before climbing into bed by 10:36 p.m. But the journey from tucked-in to actually asleep takes another 40 minutes on average.
Nearly half of all mornings begin with sleep-related regret, according to the research, which was commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress. Americans consistently make nighttime choices that conflict with their morning needs, creating a cycle where good sleep intentions clash with daily reality.
Why Do Americans Stay Up Later Than Planned?
When people end up staying awake later than planned, unfinished household tasks top the list of culprits, affecting 29% of respondents. Chores, errands, and other responsibilities that accumulate throughout the day often push bedtime later than intended.
But practical concerns only tell part of the story. One in five people (21%) identified night as their favorite time of day, treating those late evening hours as precious personal time free from daytime interruptions and demands.
The psychology of bedtime shows another layer of complexity. Fifteen percent of respondents avoid sleep because they don’t want to “fast forward” to the next workday, essentially trying to extend their personal time even at the cost of adequate rest.
For couples, nighttime serves as relationship maintenance time. Thirteen percent said evening hours provide their only opportunity during the week to connect with their partner, making those late-night conversations worth the sleep sacrifice.
Do Couples Sleep Better Together or Apart?
Nearly half of survey respondents (46%) have a partner who they share the bed with, but only 49% of bed-sharing couples actually sleep better together. Conversely, 14% report worse sleep due to their partner’s presence.
Snoring dominates the list of partner-related sleep disruptions, affecting 63% of those who sleep poorly with a bedmate. Fifty-two percent cite their partner’s nighttime movements (tossing, turning, or bathroom trips) as major sleep disruptors.
Couples also struggle with basic compatibility issues. Twenty-six percent have different nighttime routines, while 24% can’t agree on bedroom temperature, turning sleep into a nightly negotiation.
How Does Back-to-School Season Affect Parent Sleep?
Back-to-school season brings additional sleep complications for the 27% of respondents who are parents of school-aged children. More than half (53%) of parents anticipate waking up earlier to handle school morning routines, while 25% expect later bedtimes, and 11% expect poorer sleep quality due to increased worry about their children’s adjustment.
“Parents with kids in school can have an even harder time getting all the sleep they need, since they’re making time for homework, packing lunches and making meals, driving here and there and trying to spend quality time with their kids,” said Laura Scott, director of brand marketing at Avocado Green Mattress. “With so much going on during back-to-school season, ensuring they can get a full, restful night of sleep is more important than ever.”
The broader challenge affects all Americans, Scott noted: “For many, falling asleep and staying asleep is difficult. And perfectly controlling your bedtime or winddown routine isn’t always possible, since life, and sometimes other people, often get in the way. That’s why having a cozy, personalized and supportive sleep environment is so vital for a good night’s rest.”
Methodology: Talker Research conducted this study on behalf of Avocado Green Mattress, surveying 2,000 general population Americans online between June 23-27, 2025. Researchers used two main participant sources: people who signed up for paid market research surveys and online users offered survey participation in exchange for rewards. Quality controls eliminated responses completed too quickly, inappropriate content, and duplicate submissions. Results were analyzed with 95% confidence levels and minimum group sizes of 80 respondents. The English-language survey was limited to people with internet access.
The Berkley Sleep Center study from the MID 70’s showed that if you GO TO BED, when you are tired, you will wake at the same time EVERY Day.
Long Haul Truckers rotate night and day sleeping every other day or so due to regulated hours of service requiring a 11 driving, 14 total hour working day then 10 hours sleeper up to 70 total working hours within 8 days. Some of us do not possess a night or day clock anymore after years of that type of service in life. We sleep when we need to for as long or short time we need one day or night at a time.
With recent studies showing that artificial intelligence can interpret scientific research as WELL as (or even better) than field experts and specialists,
I don’t usually get to bed until midnight-1am. I have to be up at 8 on weekedays, so that gives me a solid 7-8 hours of rest. Between my day job and playing in 2 bands, when I lay down I usually knock out in roughly 5 minutes, thankfully.