Three in 10 American adults are nonetheless afraid of the darkish, in accordance with new analysis.
The survey of two,000 normal inhabitants Individuals revealed 29% of respondents admitted they nonetheless have a worry of the darkish, with males barely extra possible than ladies to have this worry (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 motion pictures — particularly within the lead-up to Halloween — can have an effect on this worry of the darkish.
General, 28% of respondents mentioned they “love” watching horror motion pictures and attempt to watch as many as they’ll.
Males had been extra more likely to love horror motion pictures (33% vs. 24%) — and on the opposite finish of the dimensions, one in 5 ladies (21%) mentioned they “hate” horror motion pictures (in comparison with 7% of males).
For many who watch horror motion pictures, ladies had been extra more likely to be scared each throughout and after the film (41% vs. 28%).
However after watching a horror film, males had been extra more likely to get nightmares — with 24% admitting they “at all times” or “usually” have nightmares, in comparison with 13% of girls.
A rise in nightmares wasn’t the one method horror motion pictures impression Individuals’ sleep, both.
Knowledge discovered after watching a horror film, many respondents had been extra more likely to get up through the night time (28%), have lower-quality sleep (22%), and sleep for fewer hours (12%).
“With the whole lot in October’s ‘spooky season’ — from horror motion pictures to haunted homes and different Halloween celebrations — it’s no marvel that some Individuals aren’t sleeping as effectively this month,” mentioned Laura Scott, director of name advertising and marketing at Avocado Inexperienced Mattress. “Folks could also be staying up later to have a good time within the weeks main as much as Halloween, and particularly in the event that they’re watching horror motion pictures, our information reveals their sleep could undergo consequently.”
The survey additionally checked out Daylight Saving Time, which ends on Sunday, Nov. 2, asking respondents about any anticipated impression on their sleep.
Respondents had been unclear concerning the time change — 32% incorrectly believed an hour of sleep could be misplaced, whereas 13% weren’t certain.
And a fifth of Individuals surveyed mentioned it could take greater than per week for them to regulate to the time change.
Thirty-nine p.c mentioned the trade-off — an additional hour of sleep for much less mild within the evenings — is price it, however 62% mentioned they might eliminate the time change altogether if they may.
A research in 2024 discovered related outcomes: 35% mentioned the trade-off was price it, whereas 59% would like to cease altering the clocks for Daylight Saving Time.
“Past Halloween and horror motion pictures, we even have the top of Daylight Saving Time to organize for within the coming weeks,” mentioned Scott. “It’s no shock to us that almost all of individuals surveyed would moderately eliminate the time change — not solely did our information additionally mirror this sentiment final 12 months, however we perceive how troublesome it may be to regulate, even when it’s simply an hour change.
“Ensuring to get a great night time’s sleep within the days main as much as the time change may also help your physique modify — in addition to switching your clocks as quickly as you stand up, to assist your thoughts deal with the ‘new’ time.”
Survey methodology:
Talker Analysis surveyed 2,000 normal inhabitants Individuals; the survey was commissioned by Avocado Inexperienced Mattress and administered and carried out on-line by Talker Analysis between Sept. 17– 22, 2025.
