Sleep is an experience that can be experienced in very different ways, depending on various factors: physical condition, occupation, habits, and even the generation to which one belongs.
Did you know that four out of 10 millennials suffer from insomnia and that a third take sleep supplements?
Next, we'll talk about the so-called millennial generation: who they are, what years they were born in, and what their sleep habits are like compared to other generations.
Millennials: What do we know about this generation?
The Pew Research Center defines millennials as those born between 1981 and 1996. That is, many of them came of age at the beginning of the new century and the new millennium.
Currently, these are people between the ages of 26 and 41. The global context has given them access to some advantages, but also to other challenges.
General characteristics of millennials
- They were the first generation to live with laptops, smartphones, the internet, and the global flow of information.
- They had to live through major financial crises, such as the one in 2008.
- According to a BBC report, millennials dreamed of greater prosperity and global impact than many previous generations.
- They would be more likely to go into debt and take longer to leave their parents' home, buy a property, or acquire a car.
- They would be more aware of global events due to the immediate flow of information. They understand much better how some event that wasn't necessarily global ended up becoming so.
- More flexible and creative working lives, thanks to fiscal adjustments, more accessible labor standards, job competitiveness, and the advancement of the sharing economy.
Interesting facts about the millennial lifestyle
Although this generation faces significant economic challenges, it does enjoy a better work-life balance. In fact, they are considered the first generation to recognize the importance of good physical and emotional health.
Here are some characteristics about millennials' lifestyles. They are taken from the Millennials and Health report, a 2019 study coordinated by the MAPFRE Foundation and the consulting firm Salvetti Llombart:
- 8 out of 10 consider that emotional health is as important as physical health.
- They relax their habits and allow themselves more concessions on weekends.
- 30% share their achievements on social media.
- 70% exercise to look better.
- They were born with digital technology and rely on apps and wearables.
- 91% say they are mentally well, 86% physically well, and 85% emotionally well.
The great generational issue: rest and sleep quality
While they may be a generation much more in touch with their mental health, the survey reveals that their sleep quality could be affecting them.
- Four out of 10 people regularly experience insomnia or some kind of difficulty falling asleep. Of these, 17% admit it's a common occurrence in their daily lives.
- On average, they sleep 7.2 hours during the week and 8.1 on the weekend.
- Six out of 10 people associate the word 'rest' with relaxing moments at home and sleeping.
- 40% admit to having trouble falling asleep, something they believe is related to stress, daily obligations, overwork, and general worries.
- The above would affect women (44%) more than men (37%).
- Half of young people wake up very tired in the morning and lack energy during the day, especially when the weekend arrives.
- 28% take some kind of sleep supplement.
Regardless of the generation you belong to, science has developed technology that supports rest, allowing for a substantial change with just a change of pillow .
There are already pillows on the market specifically designed for different types of people. They feature ergonomic innovations, allowing them to align with the body's natural shape while reducing pressure.
For example, there are self-cooling pillows for side sleepers, pillows with customizable elevation, and even pillows that prevent snoring. They feature cutting-edge technology specifically designed for restful sleep.
What generation do you belong to? Are you a Millennial?
Sleep habits are determined by several variables. As we've seen, one of them could be the generation to which one belongs.
In this sense, millennials have proven to be a much more conscious population of their personal and emotional well-being. Hence the importance of a good night's sleep.
Beyond generations, some pillows on the market today are the result of technological innovation aimed at providing restful sleep, the kind we all need to face a busy day.
