World Sleep Day: 53% experience sleep-related disorders without a consistent bedtime

Ahead of World Sleep Day, a survey has revealed that 53 per cent of respondents experience sleep-related issues when not following a consistent bedtime routine. The study further infers that adults actively follow bedtime routines—with 54% of respondents having seen a noticeable improvement in sleep when following a regular sleep routine. 

YouGov and Amazon Alexa have released insights from a survey to understand sleep routine habits of Indian households across 10 cities.

Of total 86 per cent of the surveyed start their bedtime routine 8 PM onwards every day, within this 53 per cent choose to start their routine after 10:30pm.

Top activities that are a part of bedtime routines amongst all respondents include watching video content (63%), connecting with family and friends (59%), listening to podcasts, music, or audiobooks (58%), and scrolling through social media apps (57%). Households with only couples rank highest in following these activities as part of their bedtime routine, amongst all other household types*.

One in two respondents use voice assistants to set-up their sleep routines—with more people between 35-45 years using voice assistants compared to those aged between 25-34 years.

“Sleep routines are gaining popularity, and what’s noteworthy is that smart technologies, especially voice assistants like Alexa, are increasingly becoming a valuable aid in helping people follow their bedtime routines. Personalised voice AI experiences are emerging as practical alternatives to handheld screen devices before bedtime. Whether it’s playing meditation sessions or relaxing sounds, listening to audiobooks or music, setting reminders and alarms, or controlling smart devices to adjust the room’s sleep environment, people are finding innovative ways to use Alexa as part of their bedtime routines. Alexa users can easily set up their bedtime routine through the Alexa app, customizing it to their specific needs and preferences,” says Teena Sidana, Country Manager, Alexa India.

Across all respondents, 45% take help of voice assistants in smart devices for listening to music, podcasts, meditation playlists, ambient sounds, movies, and audiobooks. About 23% use voice assistants to set up reminders and alarms, and 22% use it for controlling smart home appliances such as smart lights in the bedroom or baby room, automated curtains, smart ACs, etc.

Interestingly, about 21% currently prefer eating and snacking before bedtime. This habit is seeing increased interest amongst respondents, with 34% wanting to have a relaxing beverage or snack before bedtime.

Other activities respondents would like to include in their routine are avoiding phones by playing brain games, solving puzzles and reading, and unwinding with music, podcasts, and daily news updates. 11% of the respondents indicated that they would prefer ‘doing nothing’ over following a sleep routine.