Research shows 2020 pushed Americans towards becoming morning people

If you feel more tired than usual in 2020, you aren't alone.

According to new research, nearly one in three Americans surveyed say they've slept worse in 2020 than in 2019.A new survey of 2,000 American respondents found that they got less sleep in 2020, averaging five and a half hours of sleep per night, compared to six hours and 17 minutes in 2019.The survey, conducted by Mattress Firm, is their second annual report on how American respondents have slept throughout the year, and it found some rather interesting bits of data.For example, sleep is so important that the average respondent would shell out $371 just for one perfect night of sleep, compared to $317 in 2019; it turns out you can put a price tag on sleep.The study also found that only 38% of those polled can confidently say they slept well in 2020, while the majority of respondents say they slept either fine or not well. Boomers, statistically, slept longer than every other group (six hours), with Generation Z coming in last with under five hours of sleep on average - both well below the recommended 7 - 9 hours per night.

Millennials received an average of five hours of sleep, too. Interestingly, 2020 may have indirectly shifted those surveyed into morning people. The results show that of the Americans surveyed, more claim they're going to bed earlier and also waking up earlier than in 2019.In an attempt to improve their sleep quality, 40% of those polled said they upgraded their pillows in the past year, 35% invested in new sheets and 29% purchased a new mattress. 2020 has also been a year for change for many respondents when it comes to their sleep routine, as 54% say they have switched up their bedtime ritual this year.Plus, one in four (26%) said they've started a pre-bedtime self-care routine and 26% said they've been reading more or have started sleeping with some type of white noise machine."With so many people at home for the majority of 2020 and feeling the weight of this year, sleep quality has truly taken a toll," said Mattress Firm's sleep health expert Dr. Sujay Kansagra.

"Whether your office is now your bedroom or the stress of the year is keeping you up at night, it's important to create a sleep space where you can get your best rest.

Implementing a few key changes over time can really make a big difference and create better sleep habits for years to come." With 2020 quickly moving to the rearview mirror, the survey also delved into what Americans want out of their sleep in 2021. Good quality sleep is such a growing factor of importance that 74% of all those polled say that getting better sleep is a key component in their 2021 goals.

And they have a plan to make that goal a reality.When asked how they plan to improve their sleep, the top action was found to be going to bed even earlier (31%).Thirty percent said they plan on upgrading their mattress in 2021, with 27% saying they plan to cut down on the amount of TV they watch before bedtime.Another 27% say they plan on scrolling on their phone less after they lie down and 22% plan on incorporating meditation more into their nighttime routine."The new year will be a fresh start," said Dr. Kansagra.

"The easiest ways to improve sleep quality are to cut down on screen time before bed and find what helps you unwind at night.

Incorporating these two things into your sleep routine will hopefully make 2021 your best year for sleep yet." Top Ways Respondents Changed Their Sleep Routine This YearI bought new pillows                                  40%I bought new sheets                                   35%I've been watching more TV                     33%I bought a new mattress                            29%I started listening to a white noise machine    26%I started a self-care routine                           26%I've been reading more                    25%I started taking sleep supplements             17%

If you feel more tired than usual in 2020, you aren't alone.

According to new research, nearly one in three Americans surveyed say they've slept worse in 2020 than in 2019.A new survey of 2,000 American respondents found that they got less sleep in 2020, averaging five and a half hours of sleep per night, compared to six hours and 17 minutes in 2019.The survey, conducted by Mattress Firm, is their second annual report on how American respondents have slept throughout the year, and it found some rather interesting bits of data.For example, sleep is so important that the average respondent would shell out $371 just for one perfect night of sleep, compared to $317 in 2019; it turns out you can put a price tag on sleep.The study also found that only 38% of those polled can confidently say they slept well in 2020, while the majority of respondents say they slept either fine or not well.

Boomers, statistically, slept longer than every other group (six hours), with Generation Z coming in last with under five hours of sleep on average - both well below the recommended 7 - 9 hours per night.

Millennials received an average of five hours of sleep, too.

Interestingly, 2020 may have indirectly shifted those surveyed into morning people.

The results show that of the Americans surveyed, more claim they're going to bed earlier and also waking up earlier than in 2019.In an attempt to improve their sleep quality, 40% of those polled said they upgraded their pillows in the past year, 35% invested in new sheets and 29% purchased a new mattress.

2020 has also been a year for change for many respondents when it comes to their sleep routine, as 54% say they have switched up their bedtime ritual this year.Plus, one in four (26%) said they've started a pre-bedtime self-care routine and 26% said they've been reading more or have started sleeping with some type of white noise machine."With so many people at home for the majority of 2020 and feeling the weight of this year, sleep quality has truly taken a toll," said Mattress Firm's sleep health expert Dr. Sujay Kansagra.

"Whether your office is now your bedroom or the stress of the year is keeping you up at night, it's important to create a sleep space where you can get your best rest.

Implementing a few key changes over time can really make a big difference and create better sleep habits for years to come." With 2020 quickly moving to the rearview mirror, the survey also delved into what Americans want out of their sleep in 2021.

Good quality sleep is such a growing factor of importance that 74% of all those polled say that getting better sleep is a key component in their 2021 goals.

And they have a plan to make that goal a reality.When asked how they plan to improve their sleep, the top action was found to be going to bed even earlier (31%).Thirty percent said they plan on upgrading their mattress in 2021, with 27% saying they plan to cut down on the amount of TV they watch before bedtime.Another 27% say they plan on scrolling on their phone less after they lie down and 22% plan on incorporating meditation more into their nighttime routine."The new year will be a fresh start," said Dr. Kansagra.

"The easiest ways to improve sleep quality are to cut down on screen time before bed and find what helps you unwind at night.

Incorporating these two things into your sleep routine will hopefully make 2021 your best year for sleep yet." Top Ways Respondents Changed Their Sleep Routine This YearI bought new pillows                                  40%I bought new sheets                                   35%I've been watching more TV                     33%I bought a new mattress                            29%I started listening to a white noise machine    26%I started a self-care routine                           26%I've been reading more                    25%I started taking sleep supplements             17%