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Most of us *think* we’re ready for bed by 10:36 p.m. — that’s when the average American climbs under the covers, according to a new survey. But here’s the catch: our brains don’t always follow the plan. On average, people lie awake for 42 minutes after getting into bed, finally drifting off around 11:18 p.m. And three mornings a week, they wake up wishing they’d just gone to sleep earlier.
A recent study by Talker Research, commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress and surveying 2,000 Americans, paints a familiar picture: we *want* to sleep well, but something always seems to get in the way. We go through the motions — brushing our teeth, changing into pajamas, dimming the lights — but once we’re in bed, sleep doesn’t come easily.
The typical bedtime routine starts around 10:15 p.m., taking about 21 minutes from start to lights-out. But even after all that preparation, it takes another 40 minutes on average to actually fall asleep. No wonder so many mornings begin with regret: nearly half of respondents said they regularly wake up wishing they’d made better choices the night before.
Why Can’t We Just Go to Sleep?
So why do we stay up later than we mean to? The reasons are a mix of practical and emotional.
For 29% of people, it’s unfinished chores. Dishes in the sink, laundry piling up, emails left unanswered — the day’s loose ends often spill into the night, pushing bedtime later and later.
But it’s not all about duty. For 21% of respondents, nighttime is actually their favorite part of the day. It’s the only time they feel truly free — no work calls, no kids needing attention, just quiet and personal space. That makes it hard to give up, even when exhaustion kicks in.
Then there’s the emotional side: 15% admitted they avoid sleep because it feels like fast-forwarding to the next day — especially if that means going back to a job they dread. Staying awake becomes a small act of rebellion, a way to hold onto the peace of the present moment, even if it costs them rest.
And for couples, nighttime is often the only time they get to connect. Thirteen percent said their evening hours are the only chance they have all week to talk, laugh, or just be together with their partner. So even if it means sacrificing sleep, those late-night conversations feel worth it.
Sleeping Together — Or Apart?
Nearly half of the respondents share a bed with a partner. But here’s the twist: only 49% of those couples say they actually sleep *better* together. Fourteen percent say their sleep gets worse because of their partner.
Snoring is the biggest offender — 63% of those who struggle blame it on a partner’s noisy breathing. Then there’s the constant movement: tossing, turning, midnight bathroom trips. Fifty-two percent say their partner’s restlessness keeps them awake.
And let’s not forget the little things that add up: 26% have completely different nighttime routines (one person’s early bird clashes with the other’s night owl), and 24% can’t agree on the bedroom temperature. What feels cozy to one feels like a sauna to the other. Sleep becomes less about rest and more like a negotiation.
Back-to-School = Less Sleep for Parents
For parents of school-aged kids — who made up 27% of the survey — the back-to-school season brings sleep challenges. Over half (53%) expect to wake up earlier to manage morning routines: packing lunches, signing permission slips, and getting everyone out the door on time.
A quarter anticipate later bedtimes — maybe because they’re helping with homework or just trying to squeeze in some family time. And 11% expect their sleep quality to drop, not because of noise or kids waking them up, but because of worry: Will their child make friends? Are they adjusting okay? That mental load lingers long after the house goes quiet.
Laura Scott, director of brand marketing at Avocado Green Mattress, says it’s no surprise parents struggle. “Between homework, meals, carpools, and wanting to spend quality time with their kids, parents are pulled in a million directions,” she explains. “During back-to-school season, making space for rest isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.”
But the truth is, sleep struggles aren’t just a parent problem. “For so many people, falling asleep — and staying asleep — is a real challenge,” Scott adds. “You can have the perfect bedtime routine, but life gets in the way. Kids, partners, stress, responsibilities — they all play a role. That’s why creating a sleep environment that feels cozy, supportive, and truly *yours* can make all the difference.”
We all want better sleep. We set intentions, follow routines, and climb into bed with good intentions. But between chores, emotional needs, relationships, and parenting demands, our actions don’t always match our goals.
The gap between when we *want* to sleep and when we actually do is real — and it’s costing us. But understanding *why* we delay, why we lie awake, and what disrupts our rest is the first step toward change. Because good sleep isn’t just about willpower. It’s about designing a life — and a bedroom — that makes rest feel possible.
*Methodology note: This survey was conducted online by Talker Research on behalf of Avocado Green Mattress from June 23–27, 2025, with 2,000 U.S. adults. Participants came from paid research panels and reward-based platforms. Incomplete, rushed, or duplicate responses were removed. Results are accurate within a 95% confidence level, with minimum subgroup sizes of 80. The survey was in English and limited to individuals with internet access.*