Sleep disorders affect half of the German population

A significant portion of the German population reports struggling with sleep. According to a Forsa survey commissioned by the AOK health insurance provider, more than half of Germans reported difficulties falling or staying asleep within a three-month period.

Other data, such as a 2024 study by the Robert Koch Institute, suggests a lower prevalence of approximately one-third of the population experiencing sleep issues in the weeks prior to questioning. Researchers note that these figures can vary depending on the specific timeframe analyzed.

In response to these challenges, the "sleepmaxxing" trend has gained popularity online, involving strict routines and productivity-focused sleep optimization. However, sleep researcher Dr. Christine Blume from the University of Basel warns that treating sleep as a high-performance project can actually worsen sleep quality.

Experts suggest several evidence-based relaxation techniques to manage sleep issues, including progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation. Other methods mentioned include yoga, gentle stretching, and specific breathing techniques like the 4-7-8 method to help lower cortisol and heart rates.