Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 5: Women in India appear to be more sleep deprived than men, facing greater difficulty falling asleep and higher levels of stress-related disruptions, according to the 2026 Global Sleep Survey conducted by Resmed.

The survey, which gathered responses from 30,000 people across 13 countries — including 5,000 participants from India — highlights growing awareness about sleep as a health priority, while revealing persistent gaps in achieving consistent and quality rest.

In India, 44 per cent of respondents ranked sleep among the most important behaviours for living a long and healthy life, placing it alongside diet and exercise. However, 53 per cent said they get quality sleep on only four nights a week or fewer, underscoring a significant gap between awareness and actual sleep outcomes.

Globally, 90 per cent of respondents acknowledged that consistent, quality sleep contributes to a longer and healthier life.

The findings point to notable gender differences in sleep experiences in India. Nearly 38 per cent of women reported struggling to fall asleep, compared to 29 per cent of men.

Stress and anxiety were cited by 42 per cent of women as affecting their sleep, compared to 36 per cent of men. Family responsibilities disrupted sleep for 39 per cent of women, versus 33 per cent of men.

The data suggests that social and emotional pressures may be disproportionately impacting women’s sleep health.

Across Indian respondents, stress and anxiety emerged as the biggest barrier to consistent sleep (39 per cent), followed by work-related responsibilities (37 per cent) and household duties (31 per cent).

The impact of poor sleep extended beyond fatigue. After a restless night, 39 per cent reported feeling more stressed, 35 per cent more irritable, and 30 per cent more depressed — highlighting the close link between sleep and mental wellbeing.

Sleep deprivation is also affecting productivity. Around 71 per cent of working respondents said insufficient sleep reduces their ability to focus and perform effectively at work, while 57 per cent felt that sleep health is not prioritised within workplace culture.

More than three-fourths (77 per cent) admitted to taking a “snooze day” — calling in sick after a poor night’s sleep. At the same time, 72 per cent said flexible working arrangements help them better manage their sleep, pointing to the importance of organisational support.

While 78 per cent of Indian respondents said they would consult a healthcare provider for ongoing sleep issues and 68 per cent have discussed sleep health with a clinician, only 69 per cent recalled being asked about sleep during routine medical visits — indicating potential gaps in proactive screening.

Technology is playing an increasing role in sleep monitoring. About 75 per cent of Indians reported tracking their sleep at least occasionally using wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness bands. Among them, 66 per cent said they would seek medical advice if their device flagged a potential health concern.

The survey was conducted between December 11, 2025, and January 14, 2026, across markets including the United States, China, India, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Poland, Singapore and Mexico.

Experts say that while awareness of sleep’s importance is high, greater emphasis on education, routine health screening, workplace policy reforms and early diagnosis of sleep disorders will be key to ensuring better sleep health outcomes in India.