Sleep disorders and stress levels rise in Germany

Sleep disturbances and high stress levels are increasingly prevalent in Germany. According to Statista Consumer Insights from March 2026, 42 percent of respondents in Germany reported suffering from sleep problems within the previous year, a figure higher than in France (39 percent), Belgium (39 percent), or Spain (36 percent). Data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) also indicates that 35.3 percent of adults in Germany report difficulties falling or staying asleep.

Research suggests that sleep quality is not solely determined by duration. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and sleepwear play significant roles in individual needs. Andreas Lenzhofer, CEO of the sleep-tech company Dagsmejan, notes that sleep requirements vary greatly between individuals.

Additionally, nearly a quarter of adults in Germany experience increased stress levels, with women and young adults aged 18 to 29 being particularly affected. Chronic stress can lead to increased cortisol and noradrenaline production, which disrupts nighttime regeneration. Methods to stimulate the vagus nerve, such as specific breathing techniques (e.g., the 4-6-8 method), cold stimuli, or humming, are being explored as ways to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote deeper sleep.