700 million Indians don't get six hours of sleep, a nationwide survey reveals a worrying picture

News Topical, Digital Desk : India seems to be slowly moving towards a serious problem of sleep deprivation. According to a recent national survey, about 46 percent of the people in the country get less than six hours of uninterrupted sleep every day, whereas according to medical experts, an average of eight hours of sleep is considered necessary to stay healthy.

This survey was conducted between December 2025 and March 2026 in 393 districts of the country, in which more than 89 thousand people participated.

According to the survey, only 8 percent of people get 8 to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep daily, while 42 percent get 6 to 8 hours. Meanwhile, 23 percent get only 4 to 6 hours, and a similar number get four hours or less.

Based on the survey, approximately 700 million Indians suffer from insomnia. However, the situation has seen some improvement compared to last year.

While 59 percent of people were getting less than six hours of sleep in 2025, this figure has now dropped to 46 percent. Despite this, experts consider this a worrying situation.

Medical science suggests that adequate sleep is essential for both the body and mind. Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining concentration, memory, decision-making, and emotional balance.

Research from Harvard Medical School shows that even one or two nights of lack of sleep can reduce activity in the part of the brain that is involved in decision-making and self-control. Long-term sleep deprivation also increases the risk of depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart disease and metabolic diseases.

Experts believe that excessive use of digital devices, irregular routine and increasing stress are further aggravating this problem.

The survey also revealed that adopting a better lifestyle can improve sleep quality. Of those who reported improved sleep, nearly 60 percent cited light dinners, regular exercise, and a positive home environment as the main reasons.

The RAND Corporation estimates that sleep deprivation costs the five largest economies $680 billion. This burden is compounded by lost productivity, workplace accidents, health care costs, and premature mortality.

New technology could improve sleep quality

Emerging technologies are playing a vital role in addressing sleep-related issues. Artificial intelligence-based sleep tracking, wearable neurotech devices, and digital therapies for insomnia are helping people understand and improve their sleep patterns.

Some digital cognitive behavioral therapy platforms are proving to be as effective as traditional therapy in treating mild to moderate insomnia, which could make sleep care more accessible in the future.

The messed-up math of sleep

• 46 percent of Indians sleep only six hours a day
• 42 percent only get 6-8 hours of sleep
• 23 percent get only 4-6 hours of sleep
• 23 percent of people only get 4 hours of sleep
• 4% of Indians sleep more than 10 hours
• 8 percent of people get 8-10 hours of sleep

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