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Background <p>Sleep disturbance symptoms (SDS) are common among US adults. Given the number of affected individuals, it is not surprising that there is a wide range of available remedies. These include prescription medicines, over the counter (OTC) options such as medications and dietary supplements, as well as the repurposing of recreational substances.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional survey was developed and deployed via the Ipsos KnowledgePanel® platform to generate a sample representative of the US adult population. Qualified subjects were those that reported at least 2 nights of SDS per month or less than 2 nights of difficulty due to the use of an active treatment. The primary purpose was to identify subjects with recent SDS to assess how they manage their symptoms.</p> Results <p>A total of 2,223 individuals entered the survey, with 1,299 qualifying for participation as per the qualification criteria (58% frequency rate). 1,244 participants completed the entire survey (53% female; mean age 52.5&#xa0;years). Among those reporting recent sleep treatment use (60%), the most used treatments in descending order were vitamin/supplement-based products, OTC allergy/cold medicines, OTC pain relief/sleep combinations, cannabis products, off-label prescription medicines, OTC sleep medicines, or alcohol. 74% of survey completers indicated that they are not currently seeking help from a qualified health care professional (HCP).</p> Conclusion <p>More than half of American adults reported experiencing two or more nights per month of impaired sleep or are actively treating their symptoms. A substantial number were repurposing medications or turning to marijuana/THC and alcohol in an attempt to treat these symptoms. Despite the high frequency of SDS and drug/substance use, few reported seeking input from an HCP. These results emphasize the widespread nature of sleep difficulties and the common nature of self-treatment. A safe and effective OTC sleep aid or other accessible intervention could potentially play an important public health role given these circumstances.</p>

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Sleep disturbance symptoms and treatment patterns in US adults: findings from a national survey

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月20日

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  • Matthew Fisher,
  • Michael L. Perlis,
  • Andrew D. Krystal,
  • Matthew J. Heffler

摘要

Background

Sleep disturbance symptoms (SDS) are common among US adults. Given the number of affected individuals, it is not surprising that there is a wide range of available remedies. These include prescription medicines, over the counter (OTC) options such as medications and dietary supplements, as well as the repurposing of recreational substances.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was developed and deployed via the Ipsos KnowledgePanel® platform to generate a sample representative of the US adult population. Qualified subjects were those that reported at least 2 nights of SDS per month or less than 2 nights of difficulty due to the use of an active treatment. The primary purpose was to identify subjects with recent SDS to assess how they manage their symptoms.

Results

A total of 2,223 individuals entered the survey, with 1,299 qualifying for participation as per the qualification criteria (58% frequency rate). 1,244 participants completed the entire survey (53% female; mean age 52.5 years). Among those reporting recent sleep treatment use (60%), the most used treatments in descending order were vitamin/supplement-based products, OTC allergy/cold medicines, OTC pain relief/sleep combinations, cannabis products, off-label prescription medicines, OTC sleep medicines, or alcohol. 74% of survey completers indicated that they are not currently seeking help from a qualified health care professional (HCP).

Conclusion

More than half of American adults reported experiencing two or more nights per month of impaired sleep or are actively treating their symptoms. A substantial number were repurposing medications or turning to marijuana/THC and alcohol in an attempt to treat these symptoms. Despite the high frequency of SDS and drug/substance use, few reported seeking input from an HCP. These results emphasize the widespread nature of sleep difficulties and the common nature of self-treatment. A safe and effective OTC sleep aid or other accessible intervention could potentially play an important public health role given these circumstances.