More than half of Asians admit to having sleep problems. Furthermore, many take this for granted and do not seek doctor's advice about treatments, according to the 2000 Asian Sleep Research Society (ASKS) Sleep Survey.
Over half of the 3,668 adult respondents in three Asian countries, namely, the Philippines, Thailand and Taiwan reported that the most common sleep difficulties they experienced are: falling back to sleep after waking during the night (56%); difficulty falling asleep (52%); feeling drowsy or tired upon awakening (44%); waking up in the middle of the night (44%); and waking up too early in the morning (38%).
The survey also found that sleep problems are prevalent in all age groups, genders and socio-economic - groups in the three countries, although women and people ages 45 to 64 reported that they are the most dramatically affected. In the Philippines, 61 percent who suffer from sleep difficulties are women, but, more interestingly, Filipinos 18 to 24 years of age (62%) suffer as much as the 45 to 54-year-olds (62%).
Identified as the main trigger of sleep difficulties is stress (more than 80%). Other factors include health problems, (41%); environmental issues such as lighting or noise (26%); and family problems (17%).
Impact on quality of life and health
Asians appear to understand the impact of poor sleep on a person's quality of life, health and well being, and personal relationships, according to the survey. The majority of those surveyed (70%) agree that work performance suffers as a result of poor sleep, and the same number believe the amount of sleep a person gets at night affects how he/she functions and feels the next day. In addition, about two-thirds of those with sleep problems agree that lack of sleep may lead to other health problems and accelerate the aging process.
Those who are severely or moderately affected by their sleep problems report the highest level of impact on quality of life and worry most about the negative effects on their general health, social life, and daytime alertness. Nearly one-quarter feel that sleep difficulties are taking over their lives, and even more fear that their general health is affected (29%). In particular, they report feeling drowsy during the day (72%) and often fight off periods of sleepiness during the day (47%) regardless of how much sleep they have had (47%). They often get headaches /(55%), express anger too quickly (49%) and become easily irritated or annoyed (43%). These individuals complain that sleep difficulties greatly impact their relationships with family and friends (15%) and as a result they are unable to socialize (15%).
Beliefs and attitudes toward sleep
Despite understanding the consequences of poor sleep, respondents believe their own sleep problems are unimportant. The vast majority (84%) do not consider their sleep problems to be severe or even moderate, and most are unconcerned about them. Over 60 percent accept that feeling sleepy in the mid-afternoon is part of life, and as many as 40 percent have accepted their sleep problems and are willing to live with them.
Nearly.70 percent of respondents agree that sleep allows the brain to shut down and rest, yet close to 50 percent say a nap could make up for a lost night's sleep; 37 percent believe resting in bed with their eyes closed could satisfy the body's need for sleep and 12 percent say that making up for lost sleep is as easy as drinking a cup of coffee.
Furthermore, 61 percent believe it is not abnormal to feel sleepy in the middle of the afternoon and that boredom makes one sleepy (42%). The survey also shows that good sleep hygiene techniques are not well known. Nearly half (44%) of those surveyed mistakenly believe exercising before bedtime is an effective way of getting to sleep faster and that alcohol is a good sedative (18%).
Lack of concern, fear of addiction are barriers to seeking treatment
Asians who rate their sleep problems as severe or moderate are 50 percent more likely to actively search for new treatment information than those who are mildly or not at all affected. However, half of this group believe that prescription sleep medications should be taken only as a last resort. In fact, regardless of perceived severity, Asians overwhelmingly prefer taking behavioral strategies and herbal/ home remedies for their sleep difficulties rather than prescription or non-prescription medications. Ninety-six percent of those who consider themselves to be severely or moderately affected employ behavioral strategies, such as watching TV or reading, and over one-third rely on herbal and home remedies (i.e. supplements, warm milk, chamomile). While their use of prescription and non-prescription medications remains low, they tend to use these methods significantly more than the other groups of sufferers.
Eighty-five percent of Asians who experience sleep problems are reluctant to try prescription sleep medications, fearing they will become addicted to them.
Were Asians to consider taking a sleep medication, respondents from the different countries appear to be searching for different characteristics or benefits. In Thailand, more than one-fourth of inadequate sleepers consider the time it takes to fall asleep, the hours slept after taking the medication as well as the next-day energy level very important. One-third of the sleep sufferers in Taiwan also place great importance on next-day energy level. In the Philippines, though, the price of the medication (30%) was the most significant issue followed by the next-day energy level (19%).
Because of the apathy of Asian sleep sufferers, it is incumbent upon physicians to initiate the discussion with their patients and to consider sleep as part of a routine physical checkup and an important element of good health, an expert said.
Thirty-eight percent of world population affected
Difficulties with sleep and wakefulness are found in up to 38 percent of the world population. Sleeplessness can cause a variety of problems, including moodiness, inability to concentrate, loss of energy, and impaired personal relationships. It may lead to the development of more serious medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and is a leading cause of automobile and industrial accidents. Research has linked long-term sleep debt to chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system, which can cause an increase in infectious diseases. Medical experts and sleep foundations attest to these.
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