A study from Rice University highlights how financial stress impacts sleep quality among Americans, revealing that worries about bills, job security, and paychecks often disrupt rest at bedtime. Published in the Journal of Business and Psychology, the research identifies "stress-before-bed behaviors" as a pathway linking economic stress to sleep disturbances. These behaviors, such as replaying work problems in one's mind, can prevent relaxation and good-quality sleep.
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Study author Rebecca Brossoit, an assistant professor of psychological sciences at Rice, noted that financial stress can persist into the night, affecting thoughts and habits that compromise sleep. The research was part of a larger Department of Defense-funded project involving full-time Army and Air National Guard members over nine months. Participants reported their financial stress at the study's outset, followed by their bedtime stress behaviors after four months, with sleep health assessed five months later. The findings suggest a direct sequence: economic stress leads to increased stress at bedtime, which correlates with insomnia, lower sleep satisfaction, and greater daytime impairments.
Brossoit emphasized that economic stress is widespread and occurs alongside a national trend of inadequate sleep. The study shows how financial concerns impact individuals across different income levels; those who outwardly appear financially secure still experience anxiety about basic needs and job stability, which can disrupt rest.
As many families navigate ongoing economic uncertainties, including lingering effects from recent government shutdowns, Brossoit advocates for workplace strategies to alleviate stress. She suggests that organizations can play a role in reducing financial strain through competitive pay, benefits, supportive supervision, career development opportunities, and flexible schedules. Broader societal interventions, such as paid leave, access to affordable healthcare, stable housing, and financial literacy campaigns, are also critical in addressing the economic pressures contributing to sleeplessness.
Brossoit advises individuals to practice healthy sleep hygiene, including maintaining consistent sleep routines, reducing screen time before bed, and creating relaxing nighttime habits to combat stress and improve sleep.
The study included contributions from graduate student Destiny Castro, who expressed that working on this project enriched her understanding of the real-world impact of research on health. Other co-authors of the paper included Tori Crain, Leslie Hammer, and Todd Bodner. The study was supported by the Department of Defense.