We conducted a study using online search data to figure out which U.S. states experience sleep disorders the most. This includes issues like ‘insomnia,’ ‘sleep apnea,’ and ‘restless leg syndrome.’ We combed through archived search histories for various keywords for our analysis. At the same time, we also looked into the most common sleep disorders in the entire country, focusing on the top five issues people search for online regarding sleep.
New York
Is the State Most Concerned with Sleep Disorders
New York residents sought more answers on sleep disorders than any other state in the U.S. averaging a monthly search volume of 569.86 for every 100,000 people. Insomnia was the most searched-for sleep disorder with 28,600 searches in 2024, showing how simply falling asleep and staying asleep can be a top concern.
New York, famously touted as the city that never sleeps, is unsurprisingly at the top of the list of states concerned with sleep disorders. It averaged a monthly search volume of 569.86 for 100k people, with insomnia as most individuals’ driving concern with 28,600 searches.
Next in the list of sleep-troubled states is the Mid-Atlantic Maryland, averaging a monthly search volume of 564.58 for 100,000 residents. Insomnia was also their primary concern, with 8,700 searches on the subject.
Virginia is the final state in the top three, with an average monthly search volume of 563.35 for every 100,000 people in the state. It continued the trend of insomnia being the foremost concern in people’s minds, with 12,141.67 searches on the sleep disorder.
Wyoming was the state least troubled by sleep disorders, with an averaged monthly search volume of 330.96 for 100,000 of its residents. Within those searches, sleep apnea emerged as the top concern, with 406.67 searches.
The next state doing well with its sleep is Montana, with an average monthly search volume of 336.94 per 100k residents. Sleep apnea was also the most searched-for sleep disorder in the state, followed by restless leg syndrome. Insomnia makes the list as the third most searched for disorder, rather than in its usual number #1 or #2 spot.
Rounding out the bottom three is Idaho, averaging a monthly search volume for sleep disorders of 348.89 for every 100,000 denizens. The state’s top three concerns were sleep apnea (1475 searches), insomnia (1325), and restless syndrome (1225).
We delved into online search patterns to identify the prevalent sleep disorders in each U.S. state.
In the U.S. overall, there were 510.51 average monthly searches per every 100,000 citizens that were related to sleep disorders. The top result nationwide was, perhaps not unsurprisingly, for “insomnia,” followed by “sleep apnea,” “restless leg syndrome,” “sleep paralysis,” and “narcolepsy.”
Insomnia claims the top spot as the most prevalent sleep disorder in the United States, hindering both falling and staying asleep, with an average monthly search volume of 410,500. Short-term insomnia impacts 30% of adults, while long-term insomnia affects 10% across America, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Sleep apnea secures the second position, with an average monthly search volume of 388,500. This disorder, disrupting breathing during sleep, manifests in three types—obstructive, central, and complex—with obstructive sleep apnea affecting around 30 million Americans and about 26% of those between ages 30 and 70.
Restless leg syndrome, compelling leg movement during sleep, ranks third, with 250,583 average monthly searches. Also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, an estimated seven to 10% of Americans experience this disorder.
Sleep paralysis claims the fourth spot, registering 246,833 average monthly searches nationwide. Sleep paralysis seems to be relatively less common than other disorders, with under 8 percent of the general population experiencing it.
As the name suggests, sleep paralysis inhibits movement during sleep transitions, causing breathing difficulty, chest pressure, and distressing hallucinations. Some may only experience one or two episodes of sleep paralysis in their lifetime, while others may it’s a recurring issue.
Narcolepsy, the fifth most common sleep disorder, garners 242,250 average monthly searches, affecting an estimated 135,000 to 200,000 Americans, though the actual number may be higher as it’s a condition that often goes undiagnosed. Characterized by involuntary daytime and nighttime sleep episodes, it includes symptoms like hallucinations, excessive sleepiness, sleep paralysis, and sleep disruption.
Here’s a breakdown of the states with the highest search volume and what sleep disorders the people there were curious about.
New York headed the rankings with an average monthly search volume of 569.86 for every 100,000 people in the state. Insomnia was the top concern in the Empire State, followed by sleep apnea, sleep paralysis, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy.
Maryland was next in the rankings with a 564.58 average monthly search volume per 100k residents. The people there were most likely to look up information on insomnia as well, followed by sleep apnea, sleep paralysis, and narcolepsy.
Virginia took its spot at number three with an average 563.35 monthly search volume for 100,000 state residents, and the top five most often search-for disorders were insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and sleep paralysis.
Massachusetts has an average monthly search volume of 557.79 for every 100,000 denizens. Its top search results were similar to the top three, with insomnia taking the lead, followed by sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and sleep paralysis.
California has an average monthly search volume of 556.05 for 100k residents. The state breaks the “winning streak” of insomnia, with sleep apnea taking the crown as the most searched-for sleep disorder, with insomnia in second place, followed by sleep paralysis, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome.
The next nine states after the top five still had a higher-than-average monthly volume of searches for 100k residents, compared to the U.S. overall. As we mentioned, the average monthly volume of searches across the entire U.S. is 510.51 per 100k of its citizens.
In Georgia, which had an average monthly volume of 544.78, people looked for answers about insomnia, sleep apnea, sleep paralysis, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome.
Next, Nevada had an average search monthly volume of 538.72 concerning sleep disorders per every 100,000 residents.
Then, Texas had an average monthly search volume of 535.49 for every 100k people there.
North Carolina had an average monthly search volume of 534.91 for 100,000 residents.
New Jersey was close behind, with an average monthly search volume of 530.55 for 100,000 people.
The average monthly search volume for every 100,000 people living in Illinois was 527.37.
Washington had an average monthly search volume of 523.81 per 100,000 people in the state.
Connecticut had an average monthly search volume of 519.94 per 100,000 residents.
Florida’s average monthly search volume was 516.65 for every 100,000 citizens.
1. How can chiropractic care alleviate common symptoms of sleep disorders?
There are numerous ways that chiropractic care can help to alleviate symptoms of sleep disorders. The most significant way is that chiropractic adjustments influence the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is associated with the “rest and digest” response. Chiropractic adjustments have the potential to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system in the following ways:
2. What role does physical alignment play in achieving restful sleep?
Physical alignment and comfort play a significant role in achieving restful sleep. The most critical aspects of physical alignment for improved sleep are spinal alignment, joint mobility, and muscle tension.
1. What neurological factors contribute to the development of sleep disorders?
The development of sleep disorders is associated with various neurological factors, and here are some examples. The sleep-wake cycle is regulated by a number of well-coordinated neurotransmitters, such as GABA, serotonin, and norepinephrine. A disruption in the brain chemistry can lead to sleep disorders like insomnia.
Hormones are also important in regulating sleep. An imbalance in reproductive hormonesVerified Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)The United States’ health protection agency that defends against dangers to health and safety.View source like progesterone and estrogen can lead to sleep problems, which is a reason why women going through menopause often have difficulties sleeping. Melatonin is another hormone that is critical for sleep, it signals the body to fall asleep and wake up. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, is also known to influence the sleep-wake cycle.
Lastly, sleep is controlled by specific regions in the brain, like the hypothalamus. So changes in these structures can lead to sleep disorders.
2. How does the brain regulate sleep, and what happens in common sleep disorders?
The brain regulates sleep via the hypothalamus. It contains the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), often referred to as the “body’s internal clock.” The SCNVerified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View source receives cues about light and darkness to synchronize the body’s circadian rhythm.
The pineal gland,Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View source influenced by the SCN, produces melatonin in response to darkness.
Melatonin is a key hormone that signals the body that it’s time to sleep. Malfunctions in this brain region can lead to circadian rhythm disorders, which involve a mismatch between the internal circadian rhythm and external sleep-wake schedules.
Key neurotransmitters involved in sleep regulation include serotonin, which promotes wakefulness, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which promotes sleep, hypocretin is also involved in arousal and wakefulness. Imbalances in these neurotransmitters can lead to sleep disorders including restless legs syndrome, insomnia, and narcolepsy.
1. What are the unique sleep challenges faced by children and how can they be addressed?
At Sleepless in NOLA, the most common issue that I observe among my clients is their children’s inability to get enough sleep at night. Due to busy schedules, both parents and kids are getting home late and going to bed even later, resulting in reduced overnight sleep hours, which are crucial for a child’s growth and development.
2. How does pediatric sleep health impact overall development and well-being?
During sleep, the body performs essential functions such as cleaning, organizing, and solidifying memories. If children do not obtain enough sleep, it can have a detrimental impact on their growth and development.
1. Can physical therapy techniques improve sleep quality for those with sleep disorders?
Yes, physical therapy addresses impairments that can contribute or exacerbate sleeping issues. Improving range of motion, strength, flexibility, and posture can decrease a patient’s pain and increase their ability to exercise. Both of those factors can improve overall sleep and sleep quality but reducing the risk of waking in the night.
2. How does pelvic health influence sleep patterns and disorders?
Pelvic health physical therapy focuses on relaxation strategies, addressing postural dysfunction, strength and range of motion. Sleep posture and position are also addressed in order to decrease pain and promote improved posture, which can aid sleep.
1. What nutritional changes can positively impact sleep disorders?
Since sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome all have their roots in lifestyle, it is important to look at which lifestyle choices have the biggest impact on improving sleep.
I always recommend starting with diet and nutrition as the first place for people to evaluate when they are evaluating the root cause of their sleep disorders. The reason is this: when you are exhausted, it’s hard to get the proper nutrition because your brain craves quick hits of sugar and caffeine to stay awake during the day.
The first step to healing any sleep disorder is to eliminate caffeine after 12:00 pm and limit or eliminate all processed sugar, candy, cakes, cookies, ice cream, sweets, soda, energy drinks and all UPF’s (ultra-processed foods). Your body needs nutrients from whole, real foods to make the necessary hormones needed for sleep and to regulate its blood sugar levels.
Once nutritional changes are made and sleep disorders begin to improve, I recommend limiting alcohol consumption in the evening and stopping all food and drinks three hours before bedtime. By make a few small but powerful lifestyle changes, most sleep disorders will heal without any medical intervention.
2. How does overall wellness and lifestyle affect sleep quality?
Sleep and wellness are tied in a tightly conjoined feedback loop. It can be a negative loop where you sleep less than seven uninterrupted hours at night, which leads to craving of carbs and sugar.
Then poor diet choices make you too tired to exercise, which leads to up and down blood sugar levels and results in poor metabolic health. This causes high inflammation levels that leads to illnesses like Type-2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and dementia/Alzheimer’s disease.
On the flip side, it can be a positive feedback loop where you do sleep for seven to nine uninterrupted hours at night and therefore have increased energy, motivation for daily exercise, less cravings for sugar and carbs, more stable blood sugar and lower inflammation levels. This leaves you feeling less stressed with improved brain clarity and lower chances for developing a chronic illness.
Lifestyle choices drive the expression of your genes, so by adopting good lifestyle habits that support getting seven to nine uninterrupted hours of sleep each night, you will improve your overall quality of life and your longevity.
Along with looking at interest in the umbrella term of “sleep disorder,” we looked at results for specific sleep disorders:
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