It’s no coincidence that Sleep Awareness Week 2026 started on March 8, the date most of the United States and Canada moved their clocks forward an hour to start Daylight Saving Time — and millions of residents therefore lost an hour of sleep.
Sleep Awareness Week also marks the launching of the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) annual Sleep in America poll, with the 2026 edition focusing on “America’s youngest sleepers” for the first time.
The report said 44% of children don’t consistently get the amount of sleep recommended for their ages — and four in five parents said “their own sleep suffers when their child sleeps poorly.” A majority of parents (60%) say they would “be willing to pay for their children to get better sleep.”
The 2025 edition of the report said six in 10 American adults don’t get enough sleep; almost four in 10 American adults have trouble falling asleep at least three nights a week; and almost half of American adults reported having difficulty staying asleep at least three nights per week.
“Sleep Awareness Week is held to remind the public to prioritize healthy sleep habits,” said John Lopos, CEO of NSF. “NSF is here is to help every person, young and old, become their Best Slept Self, and that’s exactly what Sleep Awareness Week represents: a renewed commitment to better sleep for better health, performance, and well-being.”
Get your free “Be Your Best Slept Self” infographic from the National Sleep Foundation.
