With inflation persisting, unemployment rising, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell acknowledging that Gen Z graduates “just can’t get a break right now,” America’s youngest workers are finding it hard to rest—literally.
According to a new study by mattress company Amerisleep, nearly half of Americans admit they’re losing sleep due to financial stress.
The same proportion say their sleep quality has worsened since the start of former President Trump’s tariff hikes, with many waking up in the middle of the night anxious about the economy.
But it’s Gen Z who appear to be bearing the brunt. The report found that seven in ten members of the generation are struggling to sleep because of worries over “rising prices, rent and job security.”
Instead of tackling their financial challenges directly through budgeting or saving, many are resorting to distraction.
The study found that Gen Zers are “doomscrolling social media” or “staring at the TV” late into the night—coping mechanisms that may amplify, rather than ease, their anxiety. One in three even admitted to “bed rotting,” or spending hours lying in bed to escape their stress.
“It might feel comforting at first, but it can throw off your sleep rhythm and leave you feeling more tired later,” the report cautioned.
Experts recommend replacing avoidance behaviors with healthier routines, such as creating a “worry window”—a 15- to 20-minute period during the day to write down concerns and potential solutions.
“Then remind yourself you’ve already addressed them when they resurface at night,” the report advised.
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To curb late-night doomscrolling, Amerisleep’s researchers suggest implementing a “phone curfew” an hour before bedtime or keeping devices in another room altogether.
“Replace the scrolling habit with a more calming activity like reading a physical book, journaling, or doing gentle stretches,” the report added.
For improving financial confidence, the experts encourage starting small—by setting achievable goals such as paying off one minor debt or saving a modest emergency fund.
“Track your income, expenses, debts, and savings for at least a month so you know exactly where you stand rather than operating on assumptions or fears,” the study concluded.
“Knowledge often reduces the anxiety that comes from feeling out of control or uninformed about financial decisions.”
