A growing sleep crisis is affecting Indian employees, with nearly half (47%) admitting to taking sick leave at least once due to sleep deprivation. This is despite 80% of workers believing that their employers prioritize sleep health—the highest among surveyed countries, according to ResMed’s fifth annual Global Sleep Survey.
The survey, which gathered insights from over 30,000 respondents across 13 countries, highlights a major gap between awareness and action when it comes to sleep health.
Widespread Sleep Struggles in India
The findings show that nearly half (49%) of Indian respondents struggle to fall asleep at least three times a week. While half of them say they would seek medical help for sleep issues, many continue to suffer without taking action. Women are more likely to take proactive steps, with 58% seeking help compared to only 42% of men.
Carlos M. Nunez, Chief Medical Officer at ResMed, emphasized the importance of sleep for overall health. “Sleep is just as important as diet and exercise, yet many people struggle with sleep deprivation without seeking help,” he said.
Sleep Deprivation is Hurting Workplace Productivity
Fatigue-related absenteeism is a major issue in Indian workplaces. The survey reveals that 37% of Indian employees work night shifts starting after 9 PM, which disrupts their natural sleep cycles and increases the risk of chronic sleep deprivation.
The study also found that women in India experience poorer sleep quality than men, averaging only 3.83 nights of good sleep per week compared to 4.13 for men. Hormonal changes play a role, with 38% of women struggling to fall asleep compared to 29% of men. This affects job performance—17% of Indian women have taken sick leave due to poor sleep, compared to 12% of men.
Menopause and Sleep Disturbances
Menopausal women face even greater sleep challenges. Globally, 44% of menopausal women struggle to fall asleep at least three times a week, compared to 33% of non-menopausal women. In India, this issue further contributes to work absenteeism and productivity loss.
Relationships Also Affected by Poor Sleep
Sleep deprivation not only affects work but also personal relationships. The survey found that 41% of Indians in relationships experience sleep disturbances due to their partners—the highest among all surveyed countries and more than double the global average of 16%.
Snoring is a major cause of disrupted sleep, affecting 34% of respondents. Baby Boomers (47%) are the most impacted. To cope, many have taken extreme measures—42% of Indian respondents have permanently chosen to sleep in a separate room.
The Need for Better Sleep Awareness
While awareness about sleep health is growing, the study shows that many Indians still do not take necessary action to address their sleep problems. Experts urge employees and employers to prioritize sleep wellness to improve productivity and overall well-being.
