Fewer Americans consider the Sabbath personally significant, but most still believe it's important for society to have 24 hours for spiritual rest, a survey has found.

The new poll by YouGov showed a significant drop in the number of Americans who said a Sabbath had personal significance. A similar question asked in 1978 showed and 74 per cent agreed, but in Wednesday's poll the figure has fallen to 50 per cent.

The survey revealed a similar trend in those who attend weekly religious services. In 1978 that figure was 78 per cent,  compared to 27 per cent now.

However more than six in ten Americans said it was important for society to have a day of the week for spiritual rest.

The poll for Deseret News also revealed the breakdown between different religious groups. Jews (5 per cent) were the least likely to attend a weekly service and Mormons (69 per cent) the most. Similarly Mormons alongside evangelicals agreed most strongly on the importance of a Sabbath. Jews were the least likely to agree it was important.

The research questioned 1,000 Americans.

A wider appreciation of the Sabbath was reflected as the majority of Americans thought it was important for all organisations to accommodate those who wanted to observe the Sabbath.

The trend of general appreciation without private observance has been made a number of times. The latest figures from Pew Research suggest 70 per cent of Americans self-identify as Christian but only 30 per cent attend church weekly.