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SCMP Reporter

Nine out of 10 don't get enough rest and most say that they would prefer to sleep alone, university study reveals

Hong Kong's workforce is suffering from a chronic lack of sleep, with a new university survey finding nine in 10 working men and women are suffering symptoms of sleep deprivation.

The survey released by the University of Hong Kong's Public Opinion Programme yesterday revealed  that up to 92 per cent of workers don't get enough sleep, but only 40 per cent are aware of the problem.

Sleep expert Chung Ka-fai, an assistant professor in the university's department of psychiatry, said the findings were disturbing.

'The results show that the working population does not have sufficient sleep, which is a key element for health and a condition for performing well in the work place,' he said.

Dr Chung said a high percentage of respondents were getting about six hours sleep - 1 1/2 hours less than the amount considered ideal for adults.

Seven 'test questions' were put to a sample group of 1,032 respondents to determine whether they showed symptoms of lack of sleep.

The most telling symptom was the need to sleep extra hours on weekends - a habit confirmed by more than 60 per cent of respondents.

A total of 56 per cent said they needed an alarm clock or someone to wake them if they had to get up at a pre-determined hour, while 46 per cent said they felt drowsy while driving.

'Many people would like to sleep more, but because of their habits or work they tend to sleep less than what is sufficient,' he said.

Dr Chung also said the symptoms of sleep deprivation were often self-inflicted and could be avoided if the problem was recognised.

Although 45 per cent agreed that 10 or 11pm was the preferred time to go to sleep, only 25 per cent followed their own advice.

'First people need to value sleep and the fact that insufficient sleep affects their creativity, concentration and performance. They have to recognise the importance of sleep first and those who have insomnia need to take active measures to resolve it,' he said.

The survey also found 61 per cent of the respondents were not able to enjoy an uninterrupted night's sleep, with 46 per cent waking up at least twice.

Sleepless nights also affect more women than men, with 68 per cent of female respondents saying their sleep was interrupted.

Of those sleeping alone, 85 per cent said they preferred it, while 53 per cent of those who sleep with a partner said they would prefer not to share their sleeping space.

Chinese University psychiatry professor Lee Sing cautioned against reading too much into the overwhelming percentage of people complaining of lack of sleep, pointing out not all respondents were necessarily suffering symptoms of genuine sleep deprivation.

'There is no doubt that between 20 to 30 per cent of them are people with frequent insomnia. Another 30 per cent feel they may need more rest because they are working too hard. Others may reflect transient changes in mood swings because when you are anxious you can think you are tired and therefore must sleep more,' he said.

People's work hours, such as working  at night, also affected sleep. 'And finally it could be a reflection of people's desire to have more energy during the day. They feel if they slept more they would have more energy, but this is not true,' Professor Lee said. He said weekend sleep-ins, rather than being an antidote to late nights often made matters worse.



Life's a big yawn for most workers