Singaporeans are among the most sleep-deprived in the world

Recent research appears to show that Singaporeans are amongst the most sleep deprived in the world, at least compared to other regions included in polls.

In line with World Sleep Day (March 15), YouGov released their latest findings on sleeping habits spanning 17 countries. The results show 44% of Singaporeans reported getting less than seven hours of sleep per night – the joint lowest with the United Arab Emirates. 

According to numerous sources, from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), the minimum hours of sleep recommended for optimal health in adults is seven per night. Less sleep may lead to adverse health outcomes.

This was not by choice

The survey results also suggested this lack of sleep came despite Singaporeans wanting to sleep more. 

Amongst Singaporean respondents who currently sleep less than 7 hours on a typical night, 87% wanted to sleep 7 or more hours. 

The surveys also found that Singapore is in the top half of countries when it comes to the use of sleep hacks – deliberate actions taken to improve sleep quality . 81% of Singaporeans used one or more such sleep hacks.

Commonly-cited actions include upgrading their mattress, pillow or bedding (28%), avoiding looking at digital screens before bed (30%), and going to bed at the same time every night (44%).

These results come at a time when lack of sleep has become a larger topic of discussion in Singapore. There has been concern about sleep disorders and revenge bedtime procrastination ("getting revenge" on their busy daytime schedules by engaging in activities they did not have time for during the day). Recently, the Singapore Health Promotion Board relaunched the Sleep Tracking Challenge for the Healthy 365 App.

The surveys involved adults aged 18 and above in the markets assessed, with sample sizes ranging from 510 to 2,044 per market. The surveys were part of YouGov’s World Sleep Day 2024: Sleep Equity for Global Health series that looked into global sleep trends series. You can find Part 1 and Part 2 of their complete findings on their website.