Election Stress and Sleep: A Tale of Two Years

The 2024 U.S. presidential election is behind us, and while the political climate may still be heated, one thing is clear: Americans experienced less stress and sleep impacts on Election Night compared to 2020. A new Sleep Cycle Report, aggregating and analyzing sleep data from over 593,000 sleep sessions, reveals a significant decrease in stress and sleep disruptions this year.

In 2020, election-related stress was palpable, with 44.2% of Americans reporting sleep disruptions due to the election. This year, however, that number dropped to 34.2%. The report also found that users reported feeling less stress in 2024 compared to 2020, with the "Stressful Day" label increasing by only 18% on Election Day 2024, compared to 54% in 2020.



Several factors contributed to this shift. Firstly, the 2024 election was less divisive, with candidates focusing more on policy and less on personal attacks. This change in tone reduced anxiety and stress among Americans. Secondly, campaign strategies were more targeted and less sensational, further reducing overall anxiety. Lastly, the public was better prepared for the election process, having learned from the 2020 experience. These changes led to a less stressful environment, resulting in improved sleep quality for many Americans.



Media coverage and public perception also played a significant role in shaping stress levels and sleep quality during the 2024 election. In 2020, the intense focus on election uncertainty, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, led to a 54% increase in reported stress on Election Day compared to a regular Tuesday. In contrast, the 2024 election saw a less dramatic 18% increase, suggesting that media outlets may have learned from their 2020 coverage, providing more balanced and less sensational reporting. This shift in media approach could have contributed to the reduction in election-related stress and sleep disruptions experienced by Americans in 2024.

The delay in election results in 2020 also contributed to sleep disturbances. The four-day delay in voting results likely exacerbated stress and negative mood, leading to poorer sleep quality. In contrast, the 2024 election saw a more streamlined voting process, with results announced on the same day, potentially mitigating sleep disturbances.

The shift from daylight saving time to standard time during the 2024 election weekend also impacted sleep patterns and stress levels. According to the Sleep Cycle Report, this change led to a 18% increase in users labeling days as stressful compared to a regular Tuesday in October 2024. However, this was a significant decrease from the 54% increase in users reporting stressful days on the 2020 Election Day compared to a regular Tuesday in October 2020. This indicates that while the time change may have caused some stress, the overall impact on sleep and stress levels was less severe in 2024 than in 2020.

In conclusion, the 2024 U.S. presidential election saw a significant decrease in stress and sleep impacts compared to 2020. This shift can be attributed to a less divisive political climate, more targeted campaign strategies, better public preparation, and a more balanced media approach. As we look ahead to future elections, it is essential to remember the importance of maintaining a calm and informed perspective, prioritizing self-care, and fostering a sense of unity among Americans.