The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): As the world commemorates World Sleep Day 2024 with the theme “Sleep Equity for Global Health,” India finds itself grappling with a silent epidemic of sleep deprivation. The importance of sound sleep has been emphasized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, who recently admitted to his own struggles with maintaining a disciplined sleep routine. Sleep scientists and doctors worldwide stress the crucial role of sleep in overall health, but measurable differences in sleep health persist across populations, exacerbating health inequities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further compounded the sleep debt of Indians, who were already considered poor sleepers. Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans) in Bengaluru have found that one-third of Indians experience severe dyssomnia, a term encompassing various sleep difficulties such as insomnia, trouble falling or staying asleep, waking up tired, and excessive sleep needs. The pandemic has only worsened these symptoms, with several global studies linking long-Covid to insomnia and sleeplessness due to anxiety.
LocalCircles, India’s leading community social media platform, has been tracking the sleep patterns of Indians since 2022. On the occasion of World Sleep Day 2024, LocalCircles presents its “How India Sleeps” study, shedding light on the issues Indians face in obtaining a good night’s sleep and offering crowdsourced tips from those who manage to sleep relatively well. The study, which garnered over 41,000 responses from citizens across 309 districts, paints a concerning picture of the nation’s sleep health.
A staggering 61% of Indians surveyed reported getting less than 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night in the last 12 months, with 38% managing only 4-6 hours and 23% struggling with a mere 4 hours or less. This marks a worrying trend, as the percentage of Indians getting less than 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep daily has risen from 50% in 2022 to 55% in 2023 and now 61% in 2024.
The survey delved into the reasons behind these sleep disruptions, with 72% of respondents citing the need to use the washroom once or more during the night as the primary culprit. Other factors included late bedtimes, early morning household activities (43%), external disturbances like mosquitoes and noise (25%), and an inability to sleep for 8 consecutive hours (22%). Interestingly, 15% of respondents claimed to sleep for 8 hours or more, suggesting that achieving a good night’s rest is still possible for some.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep quality cannot be overlooked, with 26% of Indians surveyed reporting a deterioration in their sleep post-pandemic. This finding underscores the need for further medical research into the long-term effects of the virus on sleep health.
Health experts recommend a holistic approach to improving sleep quality, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, light meals at night, meditation, reading, and limiting screen time before bed. Crowdsourced tips from citizens who manage to get a good night’s sleep offer practical insights into achieving better rest.
The LocalCircles study’s demographic breakdown ensures a representative view of the Indian population, with 66% male and 34% female respondents from various tier cities and rural districts. As India’s premier community social media platform, LocalCircles plays a vital role in empowering citizens to raise concerns and drive policy interventions.
The survey’s findings serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and individuals alike. Addressing sleep deprivation and its underlying causes is crucial for promoting overall health and well-being, as well as reducing health inequities. By raising awareness, encouraging lifestyle changes, and investing in sleep research, India can take steps towards becoming a well-rested nation.
The LocalCircles “How India Sleeps” study highlights the urgent need to prioritize sleep health as a matter of public concern. As the nation navigates the challenges posed by the pandemic and modern lifestyles, it is essential to recognize the far-reaching impact of sleep deprivation on individuals, communities, and the country as a whole. By working together to promote sleep equity and adopt healthier sleep habits, India can pave the way for a brighter, more well-rested future.