New survey reveals the gas behind nightmares, concern of darkness
Three in 10 American adults are nonetheless afraid of the darkish, in accordance with new analysis.
The survey of two,000 basic inhabitants People revealed 29% of respondents admitted they nonetheless have a concern of the darkish, with males barely extra seemingly than ladies to have this concern (33% vs. 26%).
1 / 4 of respondents (24%) sleep with a nightlight, doubtlessly to assist fight this, whereas 10% sleep with the lights on, with twice as many males doing this (15% vs. 7%).
One in 10 (11%) additionally nonetheless sleeps with a stuffed animal or different consolation merchandise.
Carried out by Talker Analysis on behalf of Avocado Inexperienced Mattress, the survey checked out how scary films — particularly within the lead-up to Halloween — can have an effect on this concern of the darkish.
General, 28% of respondents stated they “love” watching horror films and attempt to watch as many as they’ll.
Males have been extra prone to love horror films (33% vs. 24%) — and on the opposite finish of the dimensions, one in 5 ladies (21%) stated they “hate” horror films (in comparison with 7% of males).
For individuals who watch horror films, ladies have been extra prone to be scared each throughout and after the film (41% vs. 28%).
However after watching a horror film, males have been extra prone to get nightmares — with 24% admitting they “all the time” or “usually” have nightmares, in comparison with 13% of ladies.
A rise in nightmares wasn’t the one approach horror films affect People’ sleep, both.
Knowledge discovered after watching a horror film, many respondents have been extra prone to get up through the evening (28%), have lower-quality sleep (22%), and sleep for fewer hours (12%).
“With all the things in October’s ‘spooky season’ — from horror films to haunted homes and different Halloween celebrations — it’s no surprise that some People aren’t sleeping as properly this month,” stated Laura Scott, director of name advertising and marketing at Avocado Inexperienced Mattress. “Folks could also be staying up later to rejoice within the weeks main as much as Halloween, and particularly in the event that they’re watching horror films, our information reveals their sleep could undergo because of this.”
The survey additionally checked out Daylight Saving Time, which ends on Sunday, Nov. 2, asking respondents about any anticipated affect on their sleep.
Respondents have been unclear concerning the time change — 32% incorrectly believed an hour of sleep can be misplaced, whereas 13% weren’t positive.
And a fifth of People surveyed stated it will take greater than every week for them to regulate to the time change.
Thirty-nine p.c stated the trade-off — an additional hour of sleep for much less mild within the evenings — is value it, however 62% stated they might do away with the time change altogether if they may.
A examine in 2024 discovered related outcomes: 35% stated the trade-off was value it, whereas 59% would like to cease altering the clocks for Daylight Saving Time.
“Past Halloween and horror films, we even have the top of Daylight Saving Time to arrange for within the coming weeks,” stated Scott. “It’s no shock to us that almost all of individuals surveyed would moderately do away with the time change — not solely did our information additionally mirror this sentiment final yr, however we perceive how troublesome it may be to regulate, even when it’s simply an hour change.
“Ensuring to get a great evening’s sleep within the days main as much as the time change may also help your physique alter — in addition to switching your clocks as quickly as you rise up, to assist your thoughts concentrate on the ‘new’ time.”
Survey methodology:
Talker Analysis surveyed 2,000 basic inhabitants People; the survey was commissioned by Avocado Inexperienced Mattress and administered and performed on-line by Talker Analysis between Sept. 17– 22, 2025.
