Sleep Problems on the Rise: 24% of Dutch Adults Struggle with Insomnia

According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS) Health Survey data, reported by NOS.nl, 24% of Dutch adults aged 25 and older faced sleep issues last year—such as trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early.

Participants reported on sleep problems in the past two weeks. Nearly one in four acknowledged difficulties, up from 21% in 2017.

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Impact on Daily Life

Among those affected, 40% report that poor sleep impairs daily functioning, leading to concentration lapses, irritability, and forgetfulness.

A Growing Sleep Epidemic

Sleep researcher Matthew Walker, author of Why We Sleep, describes this as an epidemic. In 1942, just 8% of people slept six hours or less; today, nearly half do.

Key Causes and Solutions

Walker identifies several culprits behind widespread sleep deprivation:

• Excessive screen time: Blue light suppresses melatonin, hindering sleep onset.
• Blurred work-life boundaries: Constant connectivity disrupts rest.
• Alcohol: It sedates initially but fragments deep sleep stages.
• Midnight worries: Jot them down to signal your brain the issue is being addressed.
• Caffeine: Switch to decaf in the evening if you're a coffee enthusiast.