by Average Hours of Sleep by Country, Age, and Gender (2026 Data)
How much sleep are people actually getting — and how does that compare across countries, age groups, and genders? Drawing on OECD time-use data, CDC surveys, and peer-reviewed sleep research, this page compiles the most comprehensive cross-national sleep duration data available.
Your mattress determines whether those hours are restorative. The Saatva Classic is engineered for deep, uninterrupted sleep — 365-night trial included.
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Average Sleep Hours by Country
OECD Time Use surveys provide the most standardized international comparison. Note that self-reported surveys often slightly overestimate actual sleep duration compared to actigraphy data.
| Country | Average Sleep (hrs/night) | Method | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 8.1 | OECD Time Use | 2022 |
| New Zealand | 8.0 | OECD Time Use | 2022 |
| France | 8.0 | OECD Time Use | 2022 |
| United States | 7.5 (survey) / 6.8 (actigraphy) | NSF / Actigraphy | 2023 |
| United Kingdom | 7.5 | OECD Time Use | 2022 |
| Germany | 7.8 | OECD Time Use | 2022 |
| Canada | 7.9 | OECD Time Use | 2022 |
| Japan | 6.3–6.5 | OECD / NHK | 2023 |
| South Korea | 6.7 | OECD Time Use | 2022 |
| India | 7.0 | Sleep Cycle App Data | 2023 |
| Saudi Arabia | 6.8 | Sleep Cycle App Data | 2023 |
Note: Survey-based data and app-based data typically show longer durations than polysomnography or actigraphy studies, which measure actual sleep rather than time in bed.
Average Hours of Sleep by Age
Sleep needs change significantly across the lifespan, and the gap between recommended and actual sleep varies by age group.
| Age Group | NSF Recommendation | CDC Average (Actual) | Primary Sleep Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborns (0–3 months) | 14–17 hours | 14–17 hours | Fragmented (hunger/development) |
| Infants (4–11 months) | 12–15 hours | 12–15 hours | Sleep regression phases |
| Toddlers (1–2 years) | 11–14 hours | 11–13 hours | Separation anxiety |
| School-age (6–13) | 9–11 hours | 9.5 hours | School schedules |
| Teenagers (14–17) | 8–10 hours | 6.5 hours | School + technology |
| Young adults (18–25) | 7–9 hours | 7.0 hours | Career + social demands |
| Adults (26–64) | 7–9 hours | 6.8 hours | Work + family stress |
| Older adults (65+) | 7–8 hours | 7.1 hours | Fragmented sleep, early wake |
Average Sleep Hours by Gender
| Metric | Men | Women | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average nightly sleep time | 7.0 hours | 7.2 hours | OECD Time Use |
| Reporting adequate sleep | 60.5% | 55.9% | CDC BRFSS 2022 |
| Insomnia symptoms (regular) | ~30% | ~40% | JCSM 2023 |
| Napping frequency (adult) | 47% | 43% | NSF Poll 2023 |
| Sleep apnea prevalence | High (often undiagnosed) | Post-menopause increases | AASM 2022 |
The gender paradox in sleep data: women sleep slightly longer on average but report significantly worse sleep quality and higher rates of sleep disorders. This reflects both hormonal factors (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause) and social factors (higher rates of unpaid caregiving, anxiety, and stress).
Generational Sleep Trends: How Average Sleep Time Has Changed
| Era | Average US Sleep Time | Key Contextual Factor |
|---|---|---|
| 1910–1930 | ~9 hours | Pre-radio, limited artificial light |
| 1940s | ~8.5 hours | Post-war industrial era |
| 1960s | ~8.0 hours | Television era begins |
| 1980s | ~7.5 hours | 24-hour work culture |
| 2000s | ~7.0 hours | Internet + email culture |
| 2013 | 6.8 hours | Smartphone ubiquity |
| 2023 | 6.8–7.0 hours | Stability — sleep awareness growing |
What the Data Means for Individual Sleepers
Individual sleep needs vary by genetics, health status, and lifestyle. The 8-hour figure is a population average recommendation, not a universal prescription. Sleep quality matters as much as duration — 7 hours of deep, uninterrupted sleep outperforms 8.5 hours of fragmented sleep on virtually every cognitive and health metric.
Internal Resources
- Full US sleep statistics overview
- Sleep deprivation statistics — the economic and health cost
- Insomnia statistics globally
- The sleep economy — why the world is spending $500B on sleep
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country sleeps the most?
The Netherlands consistently ranks as one of the top sleeping nations, with adults averaging approximately 8.1 hours per night according to OECD Time Use data. New Zealand and Australia also rank highly at around 7.9–8.0 hours.
Which country sleeps the least?
Japan consistently records the shortest average sleep durations globally — 6.3 to 6.5 hours per night. South Korea averages similarly at 6.7 hours. Both countries cite work culture and long commutes as primary factors.
Do women sleep more than men?
On average, yes: women sleep approximately 11 minutes more per night than men according to OECD Time Use surveys. However, women also report significantly higher rates of insomnia symptoms and poor sleep quality.
How much sleep do older adults need?
The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7–8 hours for adults aged 65+. While older adults often sleep slightly fewer hours, they need no less sleep than younger adults — they simply experience more fragmented sleep and earlier wake times.
Has average sleep time decreased over generations?
Yes. NHANES data shows average sleep time declined from approximately 8.5 hours (1940s) to 6.8 hours (2013) in the US. This decline correlates with increased artificial light exposure, screen time, and longer working hours.
Whether you sleep 6 hours or 8, a supportive mattress ensures those hours are genuinely restorative. Start a 365-night trial with the Saatva Classic.
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