According to recent scientific findings, around 38.2 percent of China’s adult populace is suffering from the sleeping disorder insomnia, the Beijing Morning Post reported on March 15, Monday.
In a China Sleep Research Society study, results showed that the sleep duration of Chinese adults has significantly dropped at an annual rate of 0.71 minutes since 1900. This implies that since over a century ago, a Chinese adult sleep time has decreased by an average of 1.5 hours.
The study, which was released days prior to World Sleep Day, also reported that 40 percent of Chinese adults had taken a daytime nap within the previous month. With the latest technology, a number of gadgets and mobile applications are available for sleep pattern monitor use. Another effective way is the traditional sleep journal.
Scientists say that one effective measure of an individual's sleep quality is the sleep efficiency ratio, or the total sleep time to time lying in bed over a number of consecutive days. Sleep experts have agreed that any ratio lower than 85 percent already signifies a poor sleep quality.
The Beijing Morning Post furthermore cited that individuals suffering from insomnia are three to four times more likely to experience depression. However, in the case of the Chinese adult populace, only 21 percent among those regarded as insomniacs turn to medical assistance.
Experts say that a small cup of milk, foot soak or a philosophical book can help. They nonetheless clarified that neither drinking wine nor counting sheeps can do so.
For those who cannot get enough sleep on working days, experts have recommended extending sleep on weekends. The study, however, emphasized not to overuse this habit amid its benefit of reducing obesity risk.