"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."
"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."
Inflation and rising unemployment are producing widespread financial anxiety that is disrupting sleep for many Americans. Nearly half of respondents report worse sleep and nighttime awakenings due to economic stress and tariff-related changes. Gen Z is disproportionately affected, with roughly seven in ten citing money worries—rising prices, rent, and job security—as reasons for sleeplessness. Many young people respond with passive coping behaviors such as doomscrolling, TV watching, or prolonged bed-staying rather than budgeting or building emergency savings. Short-term avoidance can harm sleep rhythms and energy levels. Establishing a brief, scheduled "worry window" earlier in the day is recommended to address financial concerns proactively.
Read at Fortune
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