Workplace productivity suffers, with 47 per cent of employed respondents having taken sick leave at least once in their careers due to poor sleep.
ResMed, a global health technology leader focussed on sleep, breathing, and care delivered in the home, unveiled the findings of its fifth annual Global Sleep Survey. With insights from 30,026 respondents across 13 markets, the study underscores a widespread global sleep crisis, with people losing an average of nearly three nights of restorative sleep each week.
Although awareness of sleep’s significance is on the rise, countless individuals still struggle in silence, caught in a relentless cycle of fatigue. The study shows that globally, nearly one in four respondents (22 per cent) resign themselves to poor sleep rather than seeking support. This is true for India, too. The hidden crisis extends its reach into every aspect of life-disrupting work, straining relationships, and taking a toll on mental well-being. Given its widespread impact, there is an urgent call for greater awareness and proactive measures to address sleep health.
Struggling to Sleep, Hesitant to Act
The study showed that 49 per cent of Indians reported struggling to fall asleep at least three times a week. Moreover, despite widespread recognition of sleep’s impact on overall well-being, many Indians delay seeking help for sleep-related issues:
· While one out of every two respondents indicated they would seek assistance immediately upon experiencing sleep disturbances, a significant proportion either postponed action or continued to live with poor sleep.
· This trend is more pronounced among certain demographics, with women (58 per cent) more likely than men (41.92 per cent) to take proactive steps.
"Sleep is just as important for overall health and well-being as diet and exercise, yet many continue to struggle without seeking help," said Dr Carlos M Nunez, Chief Medical Officer, ResMed. "This study highlights a significant gap between awareness and action, emphasising the urgent need to prioritise sleep health on a global scale."
The impact of disturbed sleep on job performance:
Quality sleep directly impacts workplace performance, but many employees struggle due to sleep deprivation:
· 47 per cent of Indian employed respondents have taken sick leave at least once in their careers due to fatigue from a poor night’s sleep.
· 37 per cent of respondents report working night shifts starting after 9 PM, which can potentially further impact natural sleep cycles.
· 80 per cent of Indian employed respondents believe their employers prioritise sleep health, the highest among surveyed countries. This contrasts sharply with the global trend, where 47 per cent feel their employers do not care about their sleep health.
Sleep Disparities Between Genders
Women experience poorer sleep quality than men.
· Women experience fewer nights of good sleep per week compared to men (3.83 vs. 4.13).
· They also struggle more with falling asleep (38 per cent vs. 29 per cent), with hormonal changes being a key factor.
· Menopause significantly impacts sleep, with 44% of menopausal women worldwide struggling to fall asleep at least three times a week, compared to 33 per cent of non-menopausal women.
· In India, women (17 per cent) are more likely than men (12 per cent) to take sick leave due to poor sleep.
Love, Sleep, and Disruptions
Sleep quality can be significantly affected by a partner’s habits, with many individuals experiencing nightly disruptions. The survey reveals the following:
· Partner-related sleep disturbances are a significant issue in India, affecting 41 per cent of individuals in relationships, the highest among surveyed countries and well above the global average of 16 per cent.
· Snoring is the leading cause of these disruptions (34 per cent), with Baby Boomers being the most affected (47 per cent).
· To cope, 42 per cent of Indian respondents have permanently chosen to sleep in a separate room
ResMed commissioned a survey of 30,026 individuals in the US (5,000), China (5,000), India (5,000), the UK (2,000), Germany (2,004), France (2,001), Australia (1,501), Japan (1,500), Korea (1,500), Thailand (1,519), New Zealand (1,000), Singapore (1,000), and Hong Kong (1,001). The samples within each country were representative of the population’s gender and age breakdowns.
