Study reveals: Insomnia harms residents in multiple countries

A recent survey conducted by a Dutch polling platform among 23,000 respondents revealed that approximately half of adults suffer from sleep-related issues. The average respondent slept 6.5 hours per night, with 13% frequently using sleeping pills and 14% relying on over-the-counter sleep aids such as melatonin. Most respondents reported that sleep problems lead to daytime poor mental performance, difficulty concentrating, reduced work efficiency, and increased likelihood of errors at work.

Insomnia has become a widespread issue across all age groups in Spain, with a chronic insomnia prevalence rate ranging from 6% to 14%. A high proportion of adults report symptoms such as "difficulty falling asleep,"  "nocturnal awakenings," or "exhaustion that cannot be alleviated by sleep." Among young adults aged 18–34,83.5% have experienced sleep-related problems, while only 24% maintain good sleep quality. Concurrently, the market for sleep aids continues to grow, with sales of sleep aids in Spain reaching hundreds of millions of euros by 2025. The annual sales growth of sleep supplements containing melatonin, magnesium, and other components has reached 30%, and many parents actively use melatonin-containing gummies as sleep aids for their children.

In Asia, the problem of insomnia is equally prominent. A large cohort study recently published in The Lancet Regional Health (West Pacific), covering 130,000 participants from China, Japan, and South Korea, showed that the overall insomnia rate in these three countries continues to rise, primarily manifested as an increased proportion of difficulty falling asleep, more frequent nighttime awakenings, and a decline in overall sleep quality. By country, the increase in insomnia prevalence was most significant among urban populations in China, followed by South Korea, while Japan saw slower growth but a higher baseline prevalence of insomnia. By age strata, the 35-55 age group experienced the fastest increase in insomnia symptoms.

Dr. Gao Wei, Chief Physicianhttps://www.jxserum.com/hot-product-list/ of the Department of Neurology at Peking University Shougang Hospital, stated that the 'collective insomnia' among residents in multiple countries is the result of the combined effects of social development, lifestyle, and individual stress.

Blurred work-life boundaries. Research from China, Japan, and South Korea reveals that individuals working from home for over 4.5 hours daily face a 37% higher risk of sleep disorders compared to those with regular office hours. In contemporary societies, extended working hours, widespread shift work, and the increasing prevalence of remote work have made it increasingly difficult to separate work from rest. The frequent conversion of bedrooms into offices and nighttime meetings often prevent the body and brain from promptly transitioning into rest mode. Additionally, social isolation, heightened loneliness, and reduced physical activity associated with remote work further compromise the body's sleep regulation capacity.

Digital life has become deeply integrated into daily routines. Studies indicate that daily screen time exceeding 5 hours correlates with a 15%-22% decline in subjective sleep quality scores. The blue light emitted by devices such as smartphones and computers before bedtime suppresses melatonin secretion, delaying sleep onset. Frequent social media use leads to information overload and emotional anxiety, while prolonged screen exposure overstimulates the nervous system, impairing brain relaxation and hindering deep sleep induction even during sleep.

The pressure of competitive anxiety is compounded. Studies on China, Japan, and South Korea have found that insomnia among Chinese people stems from work pressure and night shifts; insomnia in South Koreans is associated with a competitive culture and high anxiety levels; while Japanese people mainly suffer from insomnia due to chronic sleep deprivation and the fast-paced social rhythm. Previous multiple studies have shown that the majority of insomnia cases are concentrated among middle-aged individuals, which is related to the intense workplace competition and heavy family burdens faced by this age group.

Gao Wei stated that addressing insomnia requires a collaborative effort from the state, society, and individuals to establish a sleep-friendly environment.

Inclusion in the chronic disease management system. Insomnia is associated with metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders. Sleep health should be incorporated into the chronic disease management system from a public health perspective, with particular emphasis on sleep screening and intervention for high-risk populations aged 35–55 years.

Building a sleep-friendly society. The healthcare system should enhance the provision of sleep health serviceshttps://www.jxserum.com/pharmaceutical-products/, promote sleep monitoring, behavioral therapy, and digital therapy to meet the sleep assistance needs of different populations; communities should strengthen health education, disseminate sleep knowledge, guide the public in the scientific use of electronic devices, and establish regular sleep-wake habits; enterprises can alleviate employee stress by implementing flexible work systems, ensuring midday rest rights, and reducing evening meetings.

Individuals should proactively improve sleep quality. Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, avoid working in the bedroom, and refrain from using electronic devices for at least one hour before bedtime. Develop a regular sleep-wake routine by setting fixed bedtime and wake-up times, even on weekends, to help the body establish a stable circadian rhythm. Optimize the sleep environment by keeping the bedroom dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature to minimize external disturbances. Avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol before sleep, and consider relaxation methods such as soaking feet in warm water or gentle stretching. Use sleep aids cautiously, avoiding long-term dependence on sleeping pills or melatonin supplements. Consult a physician before use to determine the appropriate population and dosage, and avoid masking underlying sleep disorders.