More than half of adults surveyed in a new study admit that financial stress is robbing them of sleep, highlighting a deepening crisis as economic anxieties seep into every corner of daily life. The research, conducted by Affordable Housing Hub and released in late June 2025, polled 1,000 U.S. participants and found 53% reported losing sleep due to money worries. Nearly half confessed to depending on credit cards to meet basic needs like food and utilities. These findings echo similar struggles in countries like Thailand, where rising living costs and unsteady employment have combined to create a potent source of chronic stress (KSBY.com).
Financial stress is not simply a matter of tightening budgets—it has far-reaching implications for mental and even physical health. As Thomas Buckley, the Executive Director of Aspire, a U.S. nonprofit specializing in mental health resources, explains: “Financial stress is not just tightening budgets. It’s crushing mental wellbeing and access to care. I’m witnessing exhaustion at every level. It’s like the cost of living crisis is burning us out emotionally.” Buckley emphasized that having a supportive community and access to professional resources can make a significant difference when navigating tough times. However, as the study notes, one in eight respondents said they could not prioritize their mental health at all because of financial constraints.
This link between financial strain and sleep problems is supported by international research. Recent studies in Southeast Asia have also highlighted that economic anxiety, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, is strongly associated with sleep disturbances, poor mental health, and in severe cases, heightened risk for depression and suicide (Scientific Reports/Nature; PMC - PubMed Central). In Thailand, economic instability has amplified these issues. According to a Mintel survey, eight in ten Thais reported experiencing mental health challenges within a six-month period—nearly half cited stress while a third struggled with insomnia (Mintel). For many, financial worries operate as a constant undercurrent, interrupting normal routines and fraying family relationships.
The scientific underpinnings of this crisis reveal a vicious cycle. Financial stress not only causes sleep disruption but can also impair cognition, reduce resilience, and fuel a sense of helplessness. A discussion thread among expatriates in ASEAN noted that individuals under severe financial stress may lose up to 13 IQ points, illustrating the cognitive toll of chronic anxiety (ASEAN Now). Sleep, vital for mental recovery, becomes elusive, worsening memory, mood, and decision-making. “There’s lots of distraction techniques and coping tools that you can incorporate, but if you don’t have enough food on the table or a roof over your head, then those aren’t going to work,” Buckley cautioned.
In Thailand, where the cost of living has surged in recent years, financial hardship is frequently cited as a crucial barrier to overall wellbeing. Thai health authorities have acknowledged this growing concern, implementing strategic initiatives to strengthen access to mental health care and supportive resources (PMC - PubMed Central). Yet challenges remain, especially for vulnerable workers, informal sector employees, and young people just entering the workforce.
Thai culture places significant emphasis on family unity and social harmony, which can be both a shield and a silent stressor. While many Thais rely on their extended families and temples for emotional support, some find it difficult to express distress or ask for help due to fears of ‘loss of face’ or social stigma. This cultural context explains why professional counseling is still underutilized despite rising needs (UNICEF Thailand). Additionally, financial obligations to parents and siblings often intensify monetary anxiety for Thai adults, especially as the population ages and social security systems face strain.
How can Thai citizens and communities address these widespread financial stressors? Local experts recommend a multipronged strategy. First, improving access to confidential counseling via hotlines and community health centers is vital. Thailand’s Department of Mental Health and organizations like the Samaritans of Thailand offer round-the-clock crisis support for those feeling overwhelmed. Second, practical financial literacy programs—offered by banks, NGOs, and universities—provide guidance on budgeting, debt management, and planning for emergencies, equipping people to make more informed decisions. Third, promoting open conversations about financial stress—both at home and in workplaces—can reduce stigma and help individuals recognize they are not alone in their struggles.
Recent research supports the efficacy of both social and individual coping strategies in mitigating the health toll of financial stress. A study published in BMC Women’s Health found that Thai women who had emigrated to Norway frequently relied on strong networks and spiritual coping mechanisms when facing economic and social adversity (BMC Women’s Health). In urban Thailand, young professionals use mindfulness, group exercise, and digital wellbeing apps to manage stress. But experts agree: without policies that address wage stagnation, rising costs, and unstable employment, personal coping can only go so far.
Globally, sleep experts warn that persistent insomnia related to financial anxieties should not be ignored. Chronic sleep loss is associated with heightened risk for hypertension, heart disease, and a weakened immune system (Nature). In Thailand, inadequate sleep further compounds existing public health issues—such as high rates of road accidents and declining productivity.
Looking forward, specialists anticipate that if economic volatility persists, more Thais will face either acute crises—such as evictions and food insecurity—or chronic burnout. Technological innovations, like machine-learning-based stress detection tools and adaptive mental health apps, have been piloted in the region and may offer scalable solutions if implemented widely (PubMed). Still, community-based answers, from grassroots financial cooperatives to Buddhist meditation retreats, remain a cultural mainstay and a potential source of resilience.
For Thai readers grappling with financial sleeplessness, the takeaway is clear: seek help before stress compounds into crisis. Contact hotlines such as the Department of Mental Health’s 1323 service, reach out to trusted friends, and make use of free financial counseling if available. Simple habits—keeping a sleep journal, avoiding caffeine at night, and maintaining a routine—can support better sleep even amid uncertainty. Above all, recognize that financial stress is a widespread challenge. Breaking the silence about these hardships is the first step toward both individual recovery and broader societal support.
Sources: KSBY News, Mintel, ASEAN Now, Scientific Reports/Nature, PMC - PubMed Central, UNICEF Thailand, PMC - PubMed Central, BMC Women’s Health.