Despite the availability of comfortable living spaces, a growing number of Indians—particularly senior citizens and college-age youth—are struggling to get adequate sleep. Recent data reveals that insomnia is on the rise, driven by factors such as stress, changing lifestyles, and underlying health concerns.
A nationwide survey shows that 64% of urban Indians wake up before 7 a.m., while 61% report sleeping less than seven hours per night—well below the recommended duration—indicating a widespread epidemic of sleep deprivation.
Among youth aged 16 to 30, 31.66% suffer from chronic sleep deficiency. This is largely attributed to erratic routines, academic stress, excessive screen time, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. At the same time, 30-48% of elderly individuals report insomnia, with causes ranging from chronic illnesses and side effects of medication to social isolation.
A recent study conducted in Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), found that 30.5% of adults over 60 suffer from poor sleep quality. However, younger individuals reported even higher levels of sleep disruption, often linked to psychological distress.
Experts point to lifestyle changes, especially late-night use of smartphones and laptops, as key culprits for the sleep epidemic among young people. These habits interfere with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, leading to chronic sleep issues.
“Sleep deprivation in India is a largely neglected issue,” said Dr. J.C. Suri, an internationally recognized sleep specialist. “People don’t take sleep seriously, but its effects on health and productivity are profound and far-reaching.”
For senior citizens, conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, and depression significantly contribute to insomnia. Research shows that 82% of seniors experience some form of sleep problem, with women and widows particularly vulnerable. The use of certain medications, such as antihistamines and benzodiazepines, can further worsen sleep patterns.
The consequences of inadequate sleep are severe. Among youth, it increases the risk of substance abuse, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. For the elderly, sleep deprivation is linked to cognitive decline, heightened fall risks, and worsening mental health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 57.2% of Indian adults reported poor sleep quality, further highlighting the urgency of the issue.
Health experts stress the need for immediate public health action. Promoting better sleep hygiene, structured daily routines, and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) are among the key strategies to combat the crisis. There is also a growing call for government and healthcare organizations to prioritize nationwide sleep education initiatives and ensure access to effective treatments.
As India continues to grapple with the impacts of sleeplessness, addressing this silent epidemic could be crucial to improving the nation’s overall well-being and productivity.
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