Why So Many People Struggle to Sleep
And why the simplest solution can often be the most effective
Sleep should be the most natural thing in the world.
Yet for millions of people, it’s one of the hardest parts of the day.
You lie in bed.
Your mind races.
The room is quiet, but your thoughts aren’t.
And suddenly, sleep feels impossible.
The scale of the problem
Sleep issues are not rare. In fact, they’re incredibly common across the world.
- Around 1 in 3 people in the UK are affected by insomnia.
- Studies show 10–30% of adults suffer from chronic insomnia, with some estimates even higher.
- Globally, more than 16% of the population is estimated to have insomnia.
- In the UK, almost 1 in 5 people aren’t getting enough sleep.
- Research also shows about 30% of adults experience sleep disturbances.
Sleep problems affect people of all ages:
- Nearly 65% of young adults report frequent sleep issues.
- Up to 37% of adults experience insomnia symptoms.
In simple terms:
If you struggle with sleep, you’re far from alone.
Why modern life makes sleep harder
There isn’t one single cause.
Sleep problems usually come from a mix of modern lifestyle pressures.
Common causes of poor sleep
- Stress and anxiety
- Work pressures and long hours
- Financial worries
- Screen time before bed
- Notifications and digital distractions
- Irregular sleep schedules
In fact, research shows:
- 25% of UK adults say money worries affect their sleep.
- 37% say work reduces their control over sleep.
- More than half of UK adults report not getting enough sleep.
Our world is louder, brighter, and more connected than ever.
Unfortunately, that’s the opposite of what the human brain needs to fall asleep.
The hidden impact of poor sleep
Lack of sleep isn’t just about feeling tired.
Research shows insomnia can:
- Reduce concentration and memory
- Increase stress and anxiety
- Lower productivity
- Affect physical health
- Increase accident risk
Studies also link persistent sleep problems with:
- Reduced quality of life
- Higher rates of work absence
- Increased healthcare use
Sleep is not a luxury.
It’s a basic biological requirement.
The problem with most sleep apps
If you search for a sleep app, you’ll find hundreds.
But many of them have the same issues:
- Subscription paywalls
- Endless menus and settings
- Ads during relaxation sessions
- Internet required
- Notifications and distractions
- Complicated interfaces
Ironically, many sleep apps create the very distractions that stop you from sleeping.
The idea behind OnlyZZZs
The goal wasn’t to build the most complex sleep app.
The goal was to build the simplest one.
Something that:
- Doesn’t require an account
- Doesn’t track you
- Doesn’t show ads
- Doesn’t ask for subscriptions
- Doesn’t need internet
- Doesn’t distract you
Just something that helps you fall asleep.
The simplest sleep solution possible
OnlyZZZs was designed around one idea:
Less choice. Less distraction. Better sleep.
So the app has:
- One screen
- One sound
- One PLAY button
- One STOP button
That’s it.
No menus.
No playlists.
No interruptions.
Just peaceful ocean waves, perfectly tuned for sleep.
Why ocean sounds work
Natural, consistent sounds help the brain relax.
Ocean waves are especially effective because they:
- Create a steady, rhythmic pattern
- Mask sudden noises
- Reduce mental stimulation
- Encourage deeper relaxation
This type of sound is often called “pink noise” or natural ambient noise, and it’s widely used in sleep research and relaxation therapy.
