Health x Wellness
ResMed’s Fifth Annual Global Sleep Survey: A World Struggling with Poor Sleep
Survey finds that one in three Singaporeans choose to live with poor sleep
ResMed, a global health technology company focused on sleep, breathing, and home care, has unveiled the findings of its fifth annual Global Sleep Survey.
The study, which includes insights from 30,026 respondents across 13 markets—including 1,000 from Singapore—underscores a widespread global sleep crisis, with people losing an average of three nights of restorative sleep each week.
Key Findings:
- Poor Sleep Acceptance: Nearly one in four respondents (22 percent) globally choose to endure poor sleep rather than seek help. In Singapore, this trend is more pronounced, with one in three (33 percent) adopting the same approach, mirroring patterns seen in the U.S. and Japan.
- Workplace Impact: Seven out of ten employed respondents globally have called in sick at least once in their career due to poor sleep. In contrast, Singaporeans called in sick less frequently, with more than half stating they would rarely or never call in sick due to poor sleep.
- Sleep Divorce: Globally, 18 percent of couples reported sleeping in separate rooms due to snoring and restlessness, whereas almost half of Singaporean couples have tried “sleep divorce” to improve sleep quality.
- Gender Differences: Women report fewer nights of good quality sleep and more difficulties falling asleep than men.
Despite growing awareness of sleep’s importance, many continue to suffer in silence, trapped in a cycle of exhaustion. Stress, anxiety, and financial pressures are primary disruptors, with stress affecting 65 percent of respondents in Singapore.
A World Without Rest
One-third of survey respondents report difficulty falling or staying asleep three or more times per week. While well-rested individuals experience improved mood, concentration, and productivity, those struggling with poor sleep report excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. However, few take proactive steps to improve their sleep health:
- Belief vs. Action: While 89 percent of respondents believe sleep makes them feel better about themselves, only 24 percent would take immediate action to address sleep issues.
- Endurance of Poor Sleep: Globally, 22 percent, and up to 33 percent in Singapore, chose to “just live with” poor sleep.
- Sleep Tracking: Globally, 45 percent do not track their sleep, missing valuable insights that could improve sleep quality. In contrast, Singaporeans are more proactive, with 54 percent monitoring their sleep, and 18 percent doing so every night. Wearable devices and mobile apps are the most popular tracking methods, each used by 39 percent of respondents.
Sleep is as vital to health as diet and exercise, yet millions struggle in silence. This research highlights an urgent gap in awareness and action—one that needs immediate attention, to improve global health outcomes.
Carlos M. Nunez, M.D., ResMed’s Chief Medical Officer, emphasised the importance of sleep
Poor Sleep: The Hidden Drain on Workplace Productivity
Quality sleep directly impacts workplace performance, but many employees struggle due to sleep deprivation:
- Sick Days: Seventy-one percent of employed respondents globally have called in sick due to poor sleep at least once in their career, with the highest rates in India (94 percent), followed by China (78 percent), Singapore (73 percent), and the U.S. (70 percent).
- Employer Initiatives: Nearly half (47 percent) of the workforce surveyed feel that their sleep health isn’t a priority for their employers, presenting an opportunity for employer initiatives to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Bedtime Blues: Sleep Impacts Relationships
The survey suggests that sleep plays an important role in the health of relationships:
- Sleep Divorce: Eighteen percent of couples permanently opt for a “sleep divorce,” choosing to sleep apart due to snoring and restlessness.
- Relationship Impact: Among those who sleep separately, 31 percent reported improved relationships, while 30 percent feel theirs have worsened. Sleep separation also impacts intimacy, with 28 percent saying their sex life has improved, while 22 percent report the opposite.
- Singaporean Couples: In Singapore, 31 percent of respondents reported partner-related sleep disruptions at least a few times a week, with snoring being the leading cause (33 percent). Women were significantly more affected by their partners’ snoring than men (45 percent vs. 23 percent). Nearly half of Singaporeans (49 percent) have tried sleeping separately, and 64 percent of them report improved sleep quality.
Sleep Quality Isn’t Equal Across Genders
Women experience poorer sleep quality than men:
- Disrupted Sleep: In Singapore, women are more likely than men to experience disrupted sleep (17 percent vs. 13 percent of men), with hormonal changes cited as a key factor.
- Quality Sleep Nights: Women report fewer nights of quality sleep than men (3.83 vs. 4.13 per week).
- Falling Asleep: Thirty-eight percent of women struggle to fall asleep compared to 29 percent of men. Hormonal changes—particularly menopause—are a significant but often overlooked factor affecting sleep, with 44 percent of menopausal women reporting difficulty falling asleep at least three times per week, compared to 33 percent of non-menopausal women.
Chronic poor sleep impacts our relationships, workplace productivity, and increases the risk of cognitive decline, mood disorders, and serious health conditions like heart failure and stroke. For individuals with untreated or poorly managed sleep apnea, these risks are even greater. That’s why talking with a doctor about treating disrupted sleep is important.
Dr. Nunez highlighted the broader impacts of poor sleep
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya and by Ahtziri Lagarde on Unsplash
