Inflation is stubborn, unemployment is rising and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has even confirmed that Gen Z grads just can’t get a break right now. But the youngest generation of workers already know that. In fact, they’re so anxious about the state of the economy right now that they can’t even sleep.
So what are they doing about it? They’re, perhaps counterintuitively, bed rotting and watching TV.
Mattress company, Amerisleep, analysed how the economy is impacting America’s sleep and nearly half admitted they’re not getting any because of financial stress. The same percentage, say their sleep has gotten worse since the start of President Trump’s tariff hikes—and they’re so worried about the economy that they’re even waking up in the middle of the night.
But Gen Z have it worst: The bright young minds of tomorrow are the generation most likely to lie awake thinking about money—a staggering 7 in 10 can’t sleep because they’re so stressed about rising prices, rent and job security.
Yet rather than turning to practical measures, like budgeting or building an emergency fund, many are opting for passive comfort through screens. Gen Zers report doomscrolling social media—a habit more likely to feed their worries than fix them—or staring at the TV. One in three, amit to bed rotting—staying in bed for hours on end—to cope.
How to stop doom scrolling—and feel more confident about your money
Avoidance tactics can make you feel more in control when the world feels uncertain. But in reality, avoiding confronting your finances head-on and seeking a quick boost of dopamine instead only delays facing your anxiety.
“It might feel comforting at first, but it can throw off your sleep rhythm and leave you feeling more tired later,” the report warns.
Instead of pushing worrying to the back of your mind—only for it to rear its ugly head at midnight—the experts actually suggest establishing a “worry window” earlier in the day. That is, giving yourself 15-20 minutes to write down your concerns and any potential solutions, “then remind yourself you’ve already addressed them when they resurface at night.”
For doom scrolling specifically, the report advises setting a “phone curfew” one hour before you go to sleep, or putting all devices in another room entirely to avoid temptation. But, you’ll need to find something else to do with your thumbs while you unwind—or risk relapsing.
“Replace the scrolling habit with a more calming activity like reading a physical book, journaling, or doing gentle stretches,” the report warns. “Your brain needs something to fill that time rather than just eliminating the behavior.”
And when it comes to feeling more confident about your finances? The researchers recommend setting small, achievable financial goals like building an emergency fund or paying off one small debt to build momentum.
“Track your income, expenses, debts, and savings for at least a month so you know exactly where you stand rather than operating on assumptions or fears,” the report concludes. “Knowledge often reduces the anxiety that comes from feeling out of control or uninformed about financial decisions.”
