Sleep Matters: How Much Are We Sleeping As A Nation And Is It Enough?

In Singapore’s ever-busy and fast-paced urban landscape, sleep often feels like a luxury rather than a necessity. While much of the city’s energy is fueled by ambition and productivity, sleep deprivation has quietly become an epidemic, with many sacrificing rest to keep up with demanding schedules such as overtime work, hanging out with friends and even exercising and working out.

But how much are Singaporeans sleeping? And is it enough? This article explores sleep trends in Singapore, the critical role of sleep in fitness and martial arts performance, the consequences of inadequate rest, and practical strategies to achieve better sleep in a city that rarely slows down.

Sleep Trends In Singapore

Singapore consistently ranks as one of the cities with the least sleep globally. Studies reveal that Singaporeans sleep an average of 6.8 hours per night, falling short of the recommended seven to nine hours for adults. A YouGov survey found that only 27% of Singaporeans hit the minimum seven-hour benchmark.

Factors contributing to this sleep deficit include long working hours, intense academic demands, and a culture that values productivity over rest. Late-night digital consumption further exacerbates the problem, with many staying up to scroll through social media or binge-watch their favorite shows.

Why Sleep Is Critical for Peak Performance

Sleep is often referred to as the “third pillar of health,” alongside nutrition and exercise. When it comes to fitness, adequate sleep is indispensable. During deep sleep stages, the body undergoes vital repair processes:

• Muscle Recovery And Growth: Sleep is when the body repairs micro-tears in muscles caused by physical activity. Growth hormone, essential for muscle repair and development, is primarily released during deep sleep.
• Energy Restoration: Sleep replenishes glycogen stores, which are essential for energy during exercise. Poor sleep can lead to early fatigue and decreased stamina.
• Mental Focus And Coordination: Quality sleep sharpens reaction times, improves concentration, and enhances coordination—all critical for athletic performance.

Conversely, sleep deprivation hinders fitness progress. Studies show that insufficient sleep reduces muscle strength, endurance, and the ability to burn fat. Additionally, sleep-deprived individuals are more prone to injuries due to impaired focus and slower reflexes.

The Broader Impact Of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation doesn’t just affect fitness—it has far-reaching consequences for overall health and well-being. Some of the most concerning effects include:

• Increased Risk Of Chronic Diseases: Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Sleep helps regulate hormones such as insulin, cortisol, and leptin, which influence appetite, stress, and metabolism.
• Weakened Immune System: Sleep is essential for immune function. A lack of it compromises the body’s ability to fight infections and recover from illnesses.
• Mental Health Challenges: Poor sleep quality is closely linked to anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. In high-pressure environments like Singapore, this can create a vicious cycle of stress and sleeplessness.
• Productivity Dips: While sacrificing sleep may seem like a way to get more done, research shows that sleep-deprived individuals are less productive, more prone to errors, and slower to complete tasks.

Challenges In Singapore’s Fast-Paced Lifestyle

Singapore’s bustling culture presents unique barriers to achieving sufficient sleep.

• Long Work And Study Hours: With one of the longest average workweeks globally, employees often find themselves working late into the evening. Students, too, face academic pressure, with heavy workloads that keep them burning the midnight oil.
• Digital Distractions: The allure of endless entertainment, from streaming platforms to social media, keeps many glued to screens late into the night.
• Urban Noise And Artificial Lighting: In a densely populated city, noise pollution and bright lights can interfere with natural circadian rhythms, making it harder for residents to fall asleep.
• Stress Culture: The emphasis on success and achievement can lead to chronic stress, a significant contributor to sleep disturbances.

How to Improve Sleep in Singapore

Despite these challenges, it is possible to prioritize and improve sleep quality. Here are actionable steps tailored to Singapore’s unique environment:

1) Stick To A Sleep Schedule

Consistency is key to regulating your body’s internal clock. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Apps like Sleep Cycle or Fitbit can help track your sleep patterns and provide insights into your habits.

2) Create A Sleep-Inducing Environment

Your bedroom should be a sleep sanctuary. To achieve this:

• Use blackout curtains to block external light.
• Invest in noise-cancelling devices or white noise machines to combat urban noise.
• Keep your bedroom cool and comfortable, as lower temperatures are more conducive to sleep.

3) Limit Screen Time Before Bed

The blue light emitted by electronic devices suppresses melatonin production, the hormone responsible for sleep. Switch off devices at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, opt for calming activities like reading or listening to music.

4) Practice Relaxation Techniques

Incorporate relaxation methods into your evening routine to wind down:

• Deep breathing exercises can reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Meditation apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided sessions specifically designed to aid sleep.
• Gentle yoga or stretching can help release tension in the body.

5) Be Mindful Of Diet And Exercise

What you consume can significantly impact your sleep:

• Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime.
• Engage in regular exercise, but ensure your workouts conclude a few hours before sleep to give your body time to cool down.

6) Leverage Singapore’s Wellness Resources

Singapore offers a range of resources to support better sleep:

• Consider consulting sleep clinics or specialists if you face chronic sleep issues.
• Explore wellness programs and apps that promote mindfulness and stress management.
• Fitness centers like Virgin Active and Pure Yoga offer restorative classes to help you relax and unwind.

The Role of Employers and Schools

Beyond individual efforts, employers and schools can play a significant role in fostering better sleep habits. Companies should consider implementing policies like flexible working hours, promoting mental health support, and discouraging after-hours communication. Similarly, schools can educate students about the importance of sleep and adjust start times to accommodate healthier sleep cycles.

Better Sleep, Better Performance

Singapore’s fast-paced lifestyle may make it challenging to prioritize sleep, but it’s clear that rest is an essential component of a healthy and fulfilling life. For fitness enthusiasts, sleep is a cornerstone of performance and recovery. For everyone else, it’s the foundation for overall well-being.

By recognizing the importance of sleep and taking steps to improve it, individuals and society as a whole can enjoy better health, sharper focus, and greater productivity. So tonight, ask yourself: Are you getting enough sleep? If not, it’s time to make a change—for your fitness, your health, and your future.

Unlocking Better Sleep Through Martial Arts

Need a way to unwind mentally after a hard day and improve your sleep? Come down to Evolve MMA and try out our complimentary martial arts classes! Hitting the bags or rolling on the mats is one of the best ways to relieve stress and set yourself up for a good night’s rest—we promise!

Book your complimentary trial class with our World Champions below!

If you have any other questions regarding Evolve MMA and the programs we offer, you can get in touch with our membership executives at the following locations:

Evolve MMA (Far East Square)
26 China Street
Far East Square #01-01
Singapore 049568
Phone: Evolve MMA (Orchard Central)
181 Orchard Road
#06-01 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Phone: Evolve MMA (KINEX)
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-52 KINEX
Singapore 437157
Phone: Evolve MMA (Star Vista)
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-26A The Star Vista
Singapore 138617
Phone: (65) 6539 9590