'Indians loosing sleep over technology'

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

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

It said 66 per cent of Indians feel exercise is the top factor impacting health and well-being more than sleep.

The survey noted that 45 per cent Indians take up meditation to initiate and maintain good sleep while 24 per cent 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 over sleep," the survey said.

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

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

The survey, which covers 15,000 adults from 13 countries, noted that globally 77 per cent 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 per cent), irritable behaviour (41 per cent), lack of motivation (39 per cent) and lack of concentration (39 per cent).

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