Over 61% Indians get less than 6 hours of sleep

Hyderabad: Believe it or not, around 61% of Indians get less than 6 hours of sleep every night.

The 2024 World Sleep Day theme is `Sleep Equity for Global Health'. It emphasizes the critical role of sound sleep in our lives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently underscored the importance of sleep, acknowledging his lack of discipline regarding his sleep routine. Indeed, the pandemic has further exacerbated existing sleep-related challenges, with measurable differences persisting across populations and reinforcing health inequities.

Sleep Trends in India:

In India, the quality of uninterrupted sleep has been on a downward spiral since the onset of COVID-19.

Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans), Bengaluru, discovered that one-third of Indians experience severe dyssomnia, with symptoms worsened by the pandemic.

Surveys conducted by LocalCircles reveal alarming trends: 61% of Indians surveyed got less than 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night in the last 12 months. This percentage has steadily risen from 50% in 2022 to 61% in 2024, indicating a worsening situation.

Factors Contributing to Sleep Disruption:

Various factors contribute to this sleep crisis, with 72% of respondents citing the need to use the washroom during sleep as a primary interruption.

Other factors include late-night activities, household duties, caregiving responsibilities, and health issues.

Additionally, 26% of respondents reported a deterioration in sleep quality post-pandemic, attributing disruptions to illness and anxiety, particularly among long-COVID sufferers and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Insights from Survey Respondents:

Despite these challenges, some individuals have managed to maintain a healthy sleep routine. According to the "How India Sleeps" survey, tips from citizens who are successfully getting a good night's sleep include:

- Engaging in daily physical activity for at least an hour.

- Following a healthy diet and consuming a light meal at night.

- Practicing meditation and avoiding screen time before bed.

- Incorporating relaxation techniques such as reading a book.

- Limiting consumption of stimulating beverages or activities before bedtime.

Recommendations for Better Sleep:

To address the sleep crisis, medical researchers must delve deeper into understanding its underlying causes and developing effective interventions.

Health experts advocate for holistic approaches, emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.

Implementing lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, adopting relaxation techniques, and prioritizing self-care, can significantly improve sleep quality.