32% Indians losing sleep due to technology: Study

Indians are missing on good sleep due to distractions from technology but would also not mind prioritising exercise over deep slumber, shows a survey.

According to a global survey by Philips, 32% of Indian adults report technology as a major sleep distractor while 19% see overlapping of work hours with normal sleep time (shift work sleep disorder) as a key barrier to sleep.

It said 66% of Indians feel exercise is the top factor impacting health and wellbeing more than sleep.

The survey noted that 45% Indians take up meditation to initiate and maintain good sleep while 24% adults opt for specialised bedding.

The survey found that although sleep disorder awareness is rising globally, good sleep is still not a priority for Indians.

"Indians report technology as a major sleep distractor; prioritise exercise oversleep," the survey said.

Globally, insomnia afflicted 26% and snoring kept awake 21% of the respondents. Worrying (58%) and technology distractions (26%) were other major impediments to good sleep.

Most popular interventions for a good sleep include soothing music, which was used by 36%, followed by the institution of a set bedtime/wake-up schedule by 32%, among others.

The survey, which covers 15,000 adults from 13 countries, noted that globally 77% have tried to improve their sleep.

The countries include the US, UK, Germany, Poland, France, India, China, among others.

Bad sleep is impacting global adults in form of tiredness (46%), irritable behaviour (41%), lack of motivation (39%) and lack of concentration (39%).

"While sleeping well is essential for good health, more than 100 million people suffer from sleep apnea globally. More than 80% of these people remain undiagnosed and 30% find it difficult to initiate and maintain sleep," said the survey 'Better Sleep, Better Health'.