New Delhi : Women in India appear more sleep deprived than men, with significantly higher levels of difficulty falling asleep and greater impact from stress and family responsibilities, according to findings from the 2026 Global Sleep Survey.
The survey, conducted by Resmed, gathered insights from 30,000 people across 13 countries, including 5,000 respondents in India. The findings highlight a growing recognition of sleep as a health priority and underlined a persistent gaps in achieving consistent, quality rest.
In India, 44 per cent of respondents rank sleep among the most important behaviours for living a long and healthy life, placing it alongside diet and exercise. Yet more than half (53 per cent) report getting quality sleep on only four nights a week or fewer, underscoring the widening gap between awareness and outcomes.
The survey reveals notable differences between men and women in sleep experiences. Nearly 38 per cent of women report struggling to fall asleep compared to 29% of men. Stress and anxiety affect 42 per cent of women versus 36 per cent of men, while family responsibilities disrupt sleep for 39% of women compared to 33% of men.
These findings suggest that social and emotional pressures may be disproportionately affecting women’s sleep health.
Across respondents in India, stress or anxiety emerged as the biggest barrier to consistent, quality sleep (39 per cent), followed by work-related responsibilities (37 per cent) and household duties (31 per cent).
The impact extends beyond fatigue. After a poor night’s sleep, 39 per cent of respondents report feeling more stressed, 35% feel more irritable, and 30% report feeling more depressed—highlighting the close link between sleep and mental wellbeing.
Sleep deprivation is also affecting workplace performance. About 71 per cent of working respondents say insufficient sleep reduces their ability to focus and perform effectively, while 57 per cent feel sleep health is not prioritised within workplace culture. More than three-fourths (77 per cent) admit to taking a “snooze day”calling in sick after a poor night’s sleep.
At the same time, 72 per cent say flexible working arrangements help them better manage their sleep, pointing to the role of organisational support in improving sleep outcomes.
The survey indicates high awareness of sleep’s importance. Globally, 90 per cent of respondents recognise that consistent, quality sleep contributes to a longer, healthier life. In India, 78 per cent say they would consult a healthcare provider for ongoing sleep issues, and 68% report having discussed sleep health with a clinician.
However, only 69 per cent recall being asked about sleep during routine medical visits—suggesting potential gaps in proactive screening and early intervention.
Technology is playing an increasing role in sleep awareness. Around 75% of Indians report tracking their sleep at least occasionally using wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness bands. Among these users, 66% say they would seek medical advice if their device flagged a potential health risk.
The findings underscore sleep as an emerging public health priority in India. While awareness levels are high, consistent behavioural changes remain uneven. Experts note that improving education, routine screening, workplace policies, and early diagnosis of sleep disorders could help bridge the gap between recognition and restorative rest.
The survey was conducted between December 11, 2025, and January 14, 2026, across 13 markets including the United States, China, India, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Poland, Singapore, and Mexico. Samples were representative of national age and gender distributions.
