According to data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday, 18% of Israelis aged 20 oversleep up to five and a half hours a night during the workweek. 30% sleep between six and six and a half hours, 31% sleep between seven and seven and a half hours, and only 21% sleep eight hours or more.
This means nearly half of Israelis get less than seven hours of sleep per night during the workweek, which is below expert recommendations.
The survey also reveals that Israelis sleep significantly more on weekends. Ten percent sleep up to five and a half hours a night, 16% sleep between six and six and a half hours, 24% sleep between seven and seven and a half hours, and 48% sleep eight hours or more. The remaining respondents did not provide an answer.
The data show minor differences in sleep patterns across age groups. Eighteen percent of those aged 20 oversleep up to five and a half hours a night during the workweek, with no distinction between men and women or between Jews and Arabs. Among those aged 20-44, 15% sleep up to five and a half hours, compared to 19% of those aged 45-64 and 23% of those aged 65 and over. However, there are noticeable differences among those who sleep more than eight hours: 21% of those aged 20 and oversleep eight hours or more—19% of men and 22% of women, 17% of Jews, and 36% of Arabs. Twenty-two percent of those aged 20-44, 17% of those aged 45-64, and 23% of those aged 65 and over sleep eight hours or more.
Weekend sleep habits by age
On weekends, 10% of those aged 20 and oversleep up to five and a half hours a night: 10% of men and 11% of women, 10% of Jews, and 14% of Arabs. Seven percent of those aged 20-44, 10% of those aged 45-64, and 20% of those aged 65 and over sleep up to five and a half hours. Additionally, 16% of those aged 20 and oversleep six to six and a half hours on weekends, and 24% sleep seven to seven and a half hours. Forty-eight percent sleep eight hours or more, with no gender gap: 48% of Jews and 51% of Arabs. Fifty-six percent of those aged 20-44, 44% of those aged 45-64, and 33% of those aged 65 and over sleep eight hours or more.
Increase in sleep disorders since October 7
The survey also addressed sleep disorders, revealing a significant increase since the October 7 terror attack and subsequent war. Forty-two percent of those aged 20 and over interviewed after October 7 reported experiencing insomnia at least once a week, compared to 31% of those interviewed before.
Data collected in 2023 indicated that 18% of Israeli adults suffer from insomnia three or more nights a week, with women more affected than men (22% vs. 15%). Seventeen percent of Jews and 23% of Arabs reported insomnia. Sixteen percent experience insomnia once or twice a week, 10% more than once a month but less than once a week, and 54% never or less than once a month. The incidence of insomnia increases with age: 14% of those aged 20-44, 19% of those aged 45-64, and 29% of those aged 65 and over. The percentage of those who have trouble falling or staying asleep three or more times a week also rises with age: 14% of those aged 20-44, 19% of those aged 45-64, and 29% of those aged 65 and over.
Are Israelis getting enough sleep?
Twenty-four percent of Israelis aged 20 and over feel they do not get enough sleep to function at their best, with no significant differences across age groups. Twenty-one percent of men and 27% of women feel this way, as do 22% of Jews and 31% of Arabs. Among the employed, 21% feel they do not get enough sleep, compared to 24% of the unemployed and 29% of those not in the labor force. There are significant differences between groups based on health and economic status.
The data show that 20% of those reporting good health feel they do not get enough sleep, compared to 45% of those reporting poor health. Additionally, 22% of those satisfied with their lives and 47% of those dissatisfied feel they do not get enough sleep. Economic concerns also contribute to sleep difficulties: 31% of those with a low per capita income (up to 2,000 shekels) do not get enough sleep, compared to 21% of those with a high per capita income (over 4,000 shekels).