PETALING JAYA: The issue of insufficient sleep among Malaysian adults needs to be treated as a public health concern as demanding work schedules and mounting social pressures worsen, say public health experts.
Universiti Malaya (UM) occupational and public health’s Assoc Prof Dr Lim Yin Cheng said insufficient sleep should not be viewed solely as a lifestyle choice.
He said the worsening social conditions and general work culture in Malaysia must also be taken into account.
“We should not only ask ‘Why aren’t Malaysians sleeping enough?’ but also ‘Are we giving people enough opportunity to sleep?’,” he said when contacted.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, 37.7% or two in every five of Malaysian adults experienced insufficient sleep of less than seven hours in a 24-hour period.
Dr Lim said employers played a key role in addressing this worrying statistic, particularly in workplaces that require long working hours, shift work or irregular schedules.
“Employers must play their role by properly managing working hours, shift schedules and adequate rest between shifts, so everyone is well rested,” he said.
He also said that raising public awareness was crucial to helping Malaysians better understand the importance of sleep to overall health.
“Sleep is not wasted time. It is a basic biological need and an important part of maintaining physical health, mental well-being and safe performance at work,” he added.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezzat Wan Puteh said the high number of sleep-deprived Malaysian adults is made worse by habits among younger generations.
“There is an ever worsening issue of excessive screen time from the use of cellphones, tablets or TV before bed among the young.
“There is also the growing concern of Malaysians developing the habit of consuming stimulants such as coffee, energy drinks or alcohol late in the day,” she said.
Dr Sharifa Ezzat warned the consequences of constant sleep deprivation extend beyond feeling tired and low productivity, potentially affecting a person’s health severely in the long term.
“Chronic sleep deprivation also impairs the body’s immune system, leaving it unable to recover and lowering defences against pathogens, making us more prone to infections.
“It also increases the risk of developing major non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and mental health issues,” she added.
UM public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sanjay Rampal advised Malaysians to improve their sleep by maintaining consistent sleeping and waking times and practising good sleep hygiene.
He said people should follow a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reducing screen time before bed while keeping the bedroom dark, quiet, cool and comfortable.
“Seek medical advice if sleep problems continue, affect daily activities or occur with loud snoring, interrupted breathing or excessive daytime sleepiness.
“Those with persistent insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness or symptoms of sleep apnea should seek medical assessment rather than relying only on coffee or energy drinks,” said Dr Sanjay.
