Sleep-deprived Malaysians

NINE out of 10 Malaysians suffer from one or more sleeping problems, according to the 2018 National Sleep Survey conducted by Nielsen Malaysia.

“Young adults in Malaysia aged 25 to 29 years old (63%) are the largest age group who take longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep,” said Edward Yong, a health consultant with AmLife International Sdn Bhd, the company which commissioned the survey.

He revealed that 50% of Malaysians rate their sleep quality as average.

Meanwhile, 35% of Malaysians face sleeping problems once or twice a week, and 20% of them face it as often as three of four times in a week.

Realising the quality of sleep they gain is not at the most satisfying level, 78% of Malaysians agree this sleeping problem could cause health issues and could affect one’s emotions, which could lead to mood swings.

Yong said almost half of the respondents agree that finding natural solutions was important for better sleep.

The top five remedies which Malaysians are aware of include exercising (59%), lifestyle changes (54%), relaxation and meditation (48%), massage (46%) and aromatherapy (37%).

Thus, almost half of Malaysians (48%) rely on reading books, watching television and listening to the radio to call it a night.

These findings were presented at a media event to commemorate World Sleep Day, which falls on March 15 every year.

Another survey among the AsiaPacific countries, conducted by the KJT Group on behalf of electronics company Philips, also showed similarities with Malaysians when 62% of the respondents describe their quality of sleep as moderate; almost half of them (44%) said their sleep had gotten worse in the past five years.

While continuous lethargy throughout the week is what bothers 60% of adults in Asia-Pacific countries, the respondents who participated in the study also shared several similar practices as Malaysians.

They would try different methods to get better quality sleep such as watching television (33%), listening to calming music (24%), lessening caffeine intake (23%) and introducing a wake-up/sleep schedule (22%). – by NUR IZZATY SHAIFULLIZAN