Global Sleep Crisis Unveiled: Insights from ResMed’s Fifth Annual Survey and How to Sleep Better
Introduction
Sleep is essential for physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Yet a growing body of evidence and global data suggest we are in the midst of a “sleep loss” epidemic. ResMed, a leading digital health company focused on sleep, recently released its fifth annual Global Sleep Survey, capturing insights from 30,026 respondents across 13 countries. The findings paint a sobering picture: despite rising awareness that sleep is as vital as diet and exercise, people around the world continue to struggle with poor sleep and often suffer in silence. This blog will delve into the key findings of ResMed’s latest survey, explore the global implications of inadequate sleep, compare trends from previous years, share expert opinions, and discuss evidence-based solutions to improve sleep quality.
The Global Sleep Crisis in 2025: Key Findings at a Glance
ResMed’s 2025 survey confirms that poor sleep is alarmingly common and affects nearly every aspect of life. Some standout statistics include:
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Frequent Sleeplessness: On average, people are “losing” nearly 3 nights of restorative sleep each week – meaning almost half the week is spent without quality rest. About one-third of respondents struggle to fall or stay asleep at least three nights per week. The top culprits keeping people up are stress (57% of respondents), anxiety (46%), and financial pressures (31%).
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Suffering in Silence: Despite how badly poor sleep makes them feel, nearly 1 in 4 people (22%) choose to “just live with” their sleep problems rather than seek help. In some countries, this resignation is even higher – for example, 41% of Australians reported simply putting up with poor sleep. 89% agree that getting good sleep makes them feel better about themselves, yet only 24% would take immediate action to address sleep issues.
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Workplace Impact: Poor sleep is taking a toll on job performance and attendance. An astonishing 71% of employed respondents globally have called in sick at least once due to sleep troubles. In some regions, this rate is even higher (94% in India, 78% in China). Nearly half of workers (47%) feel their employers don’t view sleep health as a priority, pointing to missed opportunities for workplace wellness initiatives.
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“Sleep Divorce” and Relationships: Sleep issues are straining personal relationships. 18% of couples (almost 1 in 5) report they have permanently taken a “sleep divorce” – sleeping in separate bedrooms – primarily due to snoring or restlessness at night. Among those who sleep apart, the outcomes are mixed: 31% say it improved their relationship, but 30% feel it made things worse. Intimacy can be affected as well; about 28% of those sleeping separately even reported an improved sex life, while 22% reported the opposite effect.
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The Gender Sleep Gap: Women are losing more sleep than men. On average, women get fewer nights of quality sleep per week (3.83 nights) than men (4.13 nights). 38% of women struggle to fall asleep on a frequent basis, compared to 29% of men. A major factor is hormonal changes: 44% of menopausal women have difficulty falling asleep at least three nights a week (vs. 33% of non-menopausal women).
These findings underscore that the world is facing a widespread sleep crisis, cutting across cultures and demographics. “Sleep is as vital to health as diet and exercise, yet millions struggle in silence,” says Dr. Carlos M. Nunez, ResMed’s Chief Medical Officer, highlighting the urgent need to turn awareness into action.
Why Poor Sleep Matters: Health and Social Implications
Chronic lack of sleep doesn’t just leave us groggy—it has profound impacts on our health, safety, and society.
Physical and Mental Health
When sleep suffers, so does health. Well-rested individuals report better mood, concentration, and productivity, whereas those struggling with poor sleep often experience excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, these symptoms can escalate into more serious issues. Research has linked insufficient sleep to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
Mental health is tightly intertwined with sleep as well. The survey shows stress and anxiety are leading causes of sleeplessness for nearly half of respondents. This is a vicious cycle, since poor sleep itself can worsen anxiety and mood.
Undiagnosed Sleep Disorders
Sometimes poor sleep isn’t just due to stress or bad habits, but an underlying sleep disorder. One prominent example is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – a condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, causing fragmented rest. OSA is far more common than many realize, with over 936 million people worldwide estimated to have sleep apnea, yet the vast majority remain undiagnosed.
Strain on Relationships
Beyond individual health, inadequate sleep can erode our interactions with others. Irritability and mood swings from lack of sleep can strain friendships and family life.
Safety and Economic Costs
On a societal level, widespread sleep deprivation has serious implications for safety and productivity. Fatigued individuals are much more prone to accidents – whether on the road (drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving) or on the job. Insufficient sleep costs the global economy hundreds of billions of dollars in lost productivity each year.
Conclusion
ResMed’s Fifth Annual Global Sleep Survey sends a clear message: the world is in a sleep crisis, and we can’t afford to ignore it. People are missing nearly three good nights of sleep every week, leading to significant consequences for health, work, and relationships.
The good news? Solutions exist. Whether through lifestyle changes, medical treatment, or simply prioritizing rest, people can reclaim better sleep. As the conversation around sleep health continues to grow, both individuals and organizations must take action to ensure that sleep is no longer sacrificed in our busy world.
It’s time to move from awareness to action. Better sleep means better health, better work performance, and better relationships. Start making sleep a priority today—you’ll wake up to a brighter tomorrow.
Bibliography
- ResMed. “ResMed’s Fifth Annual Global Sleep Survey Reveals a World Struggling with Poor Sleep.”
- ResMed. “ResMed’s 2024 Global Sleep Survey Uncovers a World in Sleep Crisis.”
- ResMed. “ResMed’s Annual Global Sleep Survey Finds 8 in 10 Adults Experience Signs of Disruption.”
- ResMed. “ResMed’s Global Sleep Surveys Reveal What’s Keeping Us Up at Night.”
- Pandi-Perumal, et al. “The Global Problem of Insufficient Sleep and Its Serious Public Health Implications.”
- Beebe Healthcare. “How Sleep, Or Lack Of It, Affects Our Health.”
- RAND Europe. “Why Sleep Matters — The Economic Costs of Insufficient Sleep: A Cross-Country Comparative Analysis.”
- Innovation Intelligence. “ResMed’s Quest for Improved Sleep Health – Interview with Pete Ford.”
- Gordon, A. & Chen, S. “The Role of Sleep in Interpersonal Conflict: Do Sleepless Nights Mean Worse Fights?”
- SleepFoundation.org. “Improving Sleep Quality.”
- Harvard Health Publishing. “Strategies to Promote Better Sleep in Uncertain Times.”
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