A good night’s sleep is often considered the best medicine—but for Mumbaikars, this essential remedy remains elusive. A recent survey conducted by a private hospital in Mumbai has revealed that 63% of the city’s residents sleep less than six hours a night. Shockingly, even though most are aware of the importance of sleep, nearly every second person is compromising on rest.
The survey, carried out online by a neurologist from a private hospital in Mumbai Central, included 500 participants aged between 30 and 55. The findings highlight that lack of sleep is no longer just a personal health issue but a growing social and environmental concern.
More than half (52.66%) of respondents admitted that inadequate sleep affects their physical and mental well-being. However, 48% of participants remain unaware or confused about the impact. Consultant neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Dr. Prashant Makheja, who led the survey, emphasized that while noise pollution is a known factor, long commuting hours from home to office and back are also major contributors to sleep deprivation.
Mobile and Social Media Distractions
The survey found that 24.60% of Mumbaikars spend excessive time on social media. While 75.40% of respondents said they prefer peaceful bedtime activities like reading, meditation, or engaging in calming routines, the growing digital distraction still poses a challenge.
“Sleep should be treated as essential as nutrition and exercise. It is not optional—it’s fundamental to life. Everyone should aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily,” Dr. Makheja added.
Noise Pollution: A Major Obstacle
A staggering 64.23% of participants cited disturbances from honking, construction work, and neighborhood noise as a primary hindrance to restful sleep. Experts warn that such urban noise can disrupt the body’s biological clock and sleep cycle, potentially leading to conditions like high blood pressure and other chronic issues.
The Weekend Sleep Myth
Around 60% of respondents believe they can compensate for lost sleep during weekends. However, Dr. Makheja dismissed this as a myth, clarifying that sleeping more on weekends may offer temporary relief but cannot reverse the long-term effects of chronic sleep deprivation.
Another concerning finding was that 53.23% of respondents believe snoring is normal. However, Dr. Makheja cautioned that it could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious condition that can lead to heart disease and stroke. “Snoring indicates a collapse in the windpipe, which disrupts oxygen supply to vital organs,” he explained.
This survey sheds light on the growing sleep crisis in Mumbai and calls for urgent lifestyle changes among its working population.
