Energy crisis: 3 in 5 Americans more exhausted now than ever in their lives

NEW YORK — Three in five Americans feel more tired now than they’ve ever been in their lives. In a study of 2,000 respondents, 59 percent say that spending so much time at home since early 2020 has permanently sapped them of their energy.

Fifty-eight percent confess to feeling disjointed and unfocused, and catching a few moments of sleep doesn’t appear to be a viable solution. Over half the poll (55%) think no amount of rest can help them feel focused during the day.

exhausted pandemicThe survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Monster Energy, found the most common energy-depleting activity to be poor sleep scheduling, according to 56 percent of respondents.

One in two people also blamed long work hours (53%) or staying inside too much (52%) during lockdowns as the reason for their perpetual exhaustion. Forty-six percent add their exhaustion is due to too much screen time, while 41 percent blame the lack of routine in their lives during the worst of the pandemic.

According to the one in three respondents working from home (34%), many of the activities they used to keep their energy levels up are no longer possible. Nearly seven in ten (69%) even claim that working from home has messed with their sleep schedule.

Energy needed

When respondents begin to feel that dreaded energy dip — usually around 1:04 pm — 64 percent will reach for drinks that contain caffeine to give them a boost in focus and productivity.

exhausted pandemic“Working from home has become the ‘new normal’ for many of us,” says a spokesperson for Monster Energy in a statement. “It seems like just about everyone we talk to is feeling a little tired and unfocused while they’ve been working from home.”

Video conferences have also contributed to the global energy drain, as three in five respondents find them to be even more exhausting than in-person meetings. Many also seem to miss the energy boost from physically being in the office. Nearly half the poll (49%) believes spontaneous conversations with co-workers really help to keep them upbeat and alert.

Results from a supporting survey of 2,005 Americans showed that while many respondents credit caffeine with being an energy booster, fewer know about the positive effects of taurine.

Only 37 percent identified taurine as a key ingredient in energy drinks, compared to 81 percent who said the same about caffeine. Another 35 percent thought that the natural ingredient is actually synthetically produced, while a third admitted they know nothing about taurine at all. However, only 14 percent correctly identified it as an amino acid, with 35 percent incorrectly listing it as a stimulant instead.

“According to this study, 47 percent of consumers say they think that caffeine gives them an ‘energy boost,’” the spokesperson for Monster Energy continues. “When you start to feel sluggish, reaching for something caffeinated can be the best way to get back to feeling productive.”

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