Punjab struggles with sleep deficiency: Survey

CHANDIGARH: A significant portion of the population struggles with sleep deprivation and nighttime disruptions. These facts emerged in a national survey that shed light on the sleep patterns of Punjab's residents.
These findings underscore a growing concern about sleep deprivation in Punjab, which can have serious health implications such as fatigue, reduced productivity, and long-term health risks. Experts recommend establishing better sleep hygiene, reducing nighttime disruptions, and prioritising rest for overall well-being.
The survey, conducted across 16 districts, included responses from 5,031 individuals. It revealed that nearly half (49%) of Punjab's residents get between six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night, while 40% manage only four to six hours. Alarmingly, 6% of respondents reported receiving less than four hours of sleep per night. Only 5% enjoy a healthy eight to 10 hours of rest, and no one reported sleeping more than 10 hours.
The study also examined the reasons behind disrupted sleep. The most common disturbance (44%) was the need to use the washroom during the night. Household schedules and early morning activities were cited by 37% as a major cause of sleep deprivation. Mobile phone notifications affected 13% of respondents, while noise and mosquito disturbances impacted another 13%. Additionally, 22% of individuals admitted they were simply unable to sleep for a full eight hours, while only 4% reported uninterrupted sleep.
To make up for inadequate sleep, many individuals rely on weekend and holiday rest. The survey found that 34% of respondents take naps on Sunday afternoons, and 30% attempt to sleep longer on holidays. However, a concerning 24% of people reported that they are generally unable to recover lost sleep.
Sachin Taparia, Founder of LocalCircles, a community platform and public pollster, noted that women reported sleeping fewer hours than men. He attributed this disparity to their greater involvement in household chores, such as preparing meals, managing the kitchen, and organising school and morning routines for their families.
Experts involved in the survey emphasise the importance of maintaining good sleep hygiene to improve overall well-being. Their recommendations include establishing a consistent daily sleep routine, reducing caffeine intake, turning off electronic devices before bedtime, avoiding heavy meals before sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting beverage consumption before bed, keeping the bedroom dark and quiet, investing in a comfortable mattress, pillow, and bedding, and relying on the body's natural sleep cycle for waking and sleeping. With sleep deprivation emerging as a major concern, experts stress the need for individuals to prioritise rest and adopt healthier sleeping habits to enhance their quality of life.