Study Links Iowans With Higher Income to at Least Seven Hours of Sleep Per Night

Do you think you're getting enough sleep at night?

If you answered, "Yes", I have to assume you're retired or... very lucky. As a new dad, I can tell you, good sleep was hard before my little guy, and feels like a pipe dream now.

But have you ever stopped to think that maybe your job, specifically your type of job is harming your sleep?

How the Type of Job You Have Impacts Sleep

A new analysis from Eachnight.com suggests that how you earn a living may affect how well you sleep and how satisfied you are with your work.

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The study surveyed more than 1,000 workers, including entrepreneurs, freelancers, and traditional employees, to see how job structure influences rest, stress, and overall well-being.

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The findings show big differences in how people balance productivity and recovery, which may sound familiar to anyone juggling multiple roles in Iowa’s business, startup, or agriculture sectors.

The "Best" Type of Job For Sleep and Happiness

Entrepreneurs came out on top for career satisfaction, with nearly 77 percent saying they feel good about their lives and 65 percent reporting fulfillment at work.

But they also reported getting the least sleep. More than half said they regularly sacrifice rest to keep up with ideas, deadlines, and responsibilities.

Many compensate with daytime naps, which the study found are more common among business owners than any other group.

Freelancers said they appreciate the flexibility of remote work and project-based income, but the survey shows that freedom can blur boundaries.

Half of freelancers reported working during vacation, checking messages after bedtime, or letting client demands spill into personal time.

They also reported the lowest median income, around $22,000 a year, compared to $35,000 for entrepreneurs and $40,000 for traditional employees.

Employees scored highest for sleep quality, health satisfaction, and financial stability. Consistent schedules and clearer boundaries helped them protect personal time.

However, many also reported feeling less connected to their work, with lower long-term optimism than self-employed workers.

Are We Getting Enough Sleep?

Across all groups, workers who regularly get at least seven hours of sleep per night also reported higher median incomes, suggesting that quality rest may play a long-term role in productivity, not just energy.

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According to Certified Sleep Coach Andrea Strand from Eachnight.com, sleep remains a hidden factor in performance, especially in careers that rely on decision-making and problem-solving.

The survey highlights a takeaway for anyone working in Iowa’s offices, shops, farms, or home-based businesses: no matter how you work, consistent sleep routines, screen-free wind-down time, and a supportive sleep environment can help protect both health and long-term success.

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