Summary: The fifth annual Global Sleep Survey by ResMed reports on the gap between sleep difficulties and taking action to fix them, workplace productivity impacts of lost sleep, sleep’s impact on relationships, and sex differences in sleep.
Key Takeaways:
- A Global Sleep Survey conducted in December 2024 finds that 7 out of 10 employed respondents have called in sick at least once in their career due to poor sleep.
- 18% of couples reported sleeping in separate rooms due to snoring and restlessness.
- Women report fewer quality sleep nights and more difficulties falling asleep than men.
ResMed today unveiled the findings of its fifth annual Global Sleep Survey. The survey, fielded by PureSpectrum from December 12 to 28, 2024 includes insights from 30,026 respondents across 13 markets.
‘An Urgent Gap’
About one-third of survey respondents report difficulty falling or staying asleep three or more times per week, citing stress (57%), anxiety (46%), and financial pressures (31%) as primary disruptors.
Yet few take proactive steps to improve their sleep health:
- 89% of respondents believe sleep makes them feel better about themselves but only 24% would take immediate action to address sleep issues.
- 22% globally, and up to 41% in Australia, chose to “just live with” poor sleep.
- 45% do not track their sleep.
“Sleep is as vital to health as diet and exercise, yet millions struggle in silence,” says Carlos M. Nunez, MD, ResMed’s chief medical officer, in a release. “This research highlights an urgent gap in awareness and action—one that needs immediate attention, to improve global health outcomes.”
Sleep & Workplace Productivity
Quality sleep directly impacts workplace performance, but many employees struggle due to sleep deprivation:
- 71% of employed respondents globally have called in sick due to poor sleep at least once in their career, with the highest rates in India (94%), followed by China (78%), Singapore (73%), and the United States. (70%).
- Nearly half (47%) of the workforce surveyed feel that their sleep health isn’t a priority for their employers, presenting an opportunity for employer initiatives to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Prevalence of Sleep Divorce
Responses from the survey suggest that sleep may play an important role in the health of our relationships:
- 18% of couples permanently opt for a “sleep divorce,” choosing to sleep apart due to snoring and restlessness.
- Among those who sleep separately, 31% reported improved relationships, while 30% feel theirs have worsened.
- Sleep separation also impacts intimacy—28% say their sex life has improved, while 22% report the opposite.
Men and Women’s Sleep
The survey found that women experience poorer sleep quality than men:
- Women report fewer nights of quality sleep than men (3.83 nights versus 4.13 nights) per week.
- 38% of women struggle to fall asleep compared to 29% of men.
- Hormonal changes—particularly menopause—are a significant but often overlooked factor affecting sleep, with 44% of menopausal women reporting difficulty falling asleep at least three times per week, compared to 33% of non-menopausal women.
Take Action on Sleep Health
“Chronic poor sleep impacts our relationships, workplace productivity, and increases the risk of cognitive decline, mood disorders, and serious health conditions like heart failure and stroke,” Nunez says. “For individuals with untreated or poorly managed sleep apnea, these risks are even greater. That’s why talking with a doctor about treating disrupted sleep is important.”
