8 in 10 Singaporeans are sleep-deprived: Study

8 in 10 Singaporeans are not getting enough sleep, and every 6 in 10 are experiencing troubles with sleeping, revealed a sleep survey.

Some 1,000 Singaporeans between the ages of 20 to 59 took part in the survey conducted by global research firm 2CV.

The survey revealed that 82 per cent of respondents are not getting the eight hours of sleep as recommended by SingHealth, and less than half (47 per cent) of them are satisfied with their perceived quality of sleep.

These are found to be the top factors that contributed to mediocre sleep:

- Stress from work or personal reasons (59 per cent)

- Uncomfortable room temperature (28 per cent)

- Physical pain (25 per cent)

- Spending time on mobile devices before bedtime (24 per cent)

- Noisy environment (20 per cent)

Meanwhile, respondents said that these factors helped them get a good night's sleep:

- Ideal room temperature (51 per cent)

- Having a bolster or long pillow to hug (30 per cent)

- Exercising during the day (29 per cent)

- Following a routine before bedtime (27 per cent)

- Having the ideal room lighting (26 per cent)

- Taking a bath or shower before bed (26 per cent)

In addition, almost half (46 per cent) of those surveyed think they can catch up on sleep over the weekend. More than half (52 per cent) of the 695 respondents who take public transport said they take a nap while in transit.

The sleep survey was commissioned by furniture retailer Courts Singapore as part of its launch of a new service called YourBedding.

Mr Steve Church, Group Furniture Director of Courts Asia Limited, said: "It is a known fact that Singaporeans spend long hours at work, which is why it is crucial they take ownership of their sleep and come home to a bedroom that optimises sleeping conditions for a well-rested night."

Singapore was found to be the third most sleep-deprived city out of 43 cities profiled in a report by wearable technology firm Jawbone in August last year.

minlee@sph.com.sg