Scott Klumb of Boulder Colorado is a filmmaker and creative director known for documentary storytelling through SMK Media, which he founded in 2012. His work spans action sports cinematography and award-winning documentaries that explore human experiences, including projects centered on autism acceptance. With credits that include collaborations with ESPN, Tall T Productions, and Level 1 Productions, Klumb brings a clear, narrative-driven approach to complex topics. In presenting the following overview, he connects his interest in human stories to a timely health subject that affects millions of Americans: how much we sleep and how well we sleep. The piece synthesizes recent polling, medical insights, and public health guidance to clarify the difference between sleep quantity and sleep quality, highlight common sleep disorders, and share practical steps supported by respected institutions. Readers will find a concise, accessible primer suitable for general audiences.
An Overview of Sleep Quantity and Quality in the US
The United States has faced numerous health crises over the past few years. A lack of restorative sleep ranks as one of the most significant contributing factors to several American health issues. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 57 percent of American adults stated they would feel healthier if they slept more, compared to 43 percent in 2013. These figures mark a continuation of sleep trends that began in 1942, when nearly 60 percent of Americans slept at least eight hours per night, compared to only 3 percent who slept for five hours or less.
Quantity of sleep only tells part of the story. A Harvard Health report found that the average American aged 20 or older spends about 20 percent of their total sleep time in the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleeping; REM sleep is critical for improved memory and learning, mood regulation, and brain development, in addition to lowering a person’s risk for dementia. However, SleepHealth.org found that just 32 percent of Americans feel that they enjoy high-quality, restorative sleep.
Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Health reports that between 50 and 70 million Americans live with at least one chronic sleep disorder. Sleep disorders come in many unique varieties. Insomnia, a common sleep disorder impacting 12 percent of American adults, refers to the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. Parasomniatic disorders, meanwhile, involve physical or verbal actions that occur during sleep, such as sleepwalking.
Sleep apnea represents one of the most significant sleep disorders impacting American health. Unlike individuals living with insomnia and other sleep disorders, individuals living with sleep apnea can fall asleep and remain asleep throughout the night. However, some people with the disorder may experience breathing issues that cause them to wake up. Regardless, breathing issues associated with sleep apnea prevent individuals from entering REM sleep, resulting in poor sleep quality and a range of related health concerns.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include irregular moods, chronic migraines, persistent fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. Without proper intervention, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart damage, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death.
Additional sleep disorders range from narcolepsy to restless legs syndrome. While certain sleep disorders require medical treatment, Americans can take several steps to improve the quality and duration of their sleep.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the amount of sleep a person requires each night changes with age. Newborns, for instance, may sleep for up to 17 hours per day, a figure that drops to between eight and 10 hours per night for teenagers. Between the ages of 18 and 60, Americans should aim for at least seven hours of sleep, though every individual is different.
The Mayo Clinic recommends that Americans establish a consistent sleep schedule and routine that they can follow every night. This includes avoiding too much time in bed. Most adults do not need more than eight hours of sleep, and spending excessive time in bed can make it harder to fall asleep and to achieve high-quality sleep. If a person spends more than 20 minutes in bed without falling asleep, they should get up and engage in a low-energy activity, such as reading, before attempting to sleep again later in the night.
Additional tips for achieving high-quality sleep include managing food and drink as bedtime approaches, avoiding bright lights and screens in the hours leading up to sleep, and limiting daytime naps.
About Scott Klumb
Scott Klumb is a Boulder-based creative director, cinematographer, and editor who leads SMK Media, founded in 2012. He has produced action sports films and documentaries, including projects on autism acceptance such as “Autism: One Man’s Journey” and “Autism Ability,” with selections at international festivals. His work includes collaborations with ESPN and production roles on SportsCenter segments. Trained at Colorado Film School with a focus on post-production, he has earned multiple awards for editing and directing across television and festival platforms.
