While the average sleep duration for Chinese has slightly increased to 6.97 hours per night over the past year, the quality of sleep remains a pressing issue for many, according to a survey report by China Sleep Research Society.

The 2026 China Sleep Health White Paper, issued on the 26th annual World Sleep Day on Saturday, revealed that, although the average time it takes for Chinese people to fall asleep has improved by eight minutes (now 00:10 am) and waking time has shifted four minutes earlier to 7:27 am, disturbances during the night — such as waking up and the total time spent awake — have seen an upward trend.

Sleep regularity is a significant concern, with only 26 percent of respondents reporting a consistent sleep schedule. College students, in particular, exhibit notably different sleep patterns, with 90 percent sleeping past midnight and over 70 percent waking up after 8 am. However, only 4 percent of them sleep less than 6 hours a night — far lower than the 23 percent observed in the general population.

The theme for World Sleep Day this year is "Quality Sleep, Better Life", emphasizing the critical role sleep plays in achieving a healthier, more fulfilling life, the CSRS said at a news conference.

"Quality sleep is not merely a period of rest, but a crucial physiological process that supports bodily repair, memory consolidation, and cognitive health," noted Ji Xunming, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a prominent neurosurgeon. "In particular, sleep is essential for children's growth, adults' brain detoxification and memory strengthening, and, for the elderly, to preserve cognitive function and slow down the aging process."

The rapid development of modern society has introduced unprecedented sleep challenges. Epidemiological data show that over 300 million people in China suffer from various sleep disorders, such as difficulty falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, early morning awakenings, breathing problems, and excessive daytime sleepiness, according to Ji.

"These issues are closely linked to the occurrence and progression of chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mood disorders," he added. "They not only compromise physical and mental health, but also significantly impact overall quality of life."

A healthy sleep pattern is a multidimensional concept, encompassing sleep efficiency, duration, timing, regularity, alertness, and satisfaction, Zhang Bin, vice president of the China Sleep Research Society, said.

He warned against common misconceptions about sleep: "People often believe that as long as they get seven to eight hours of sleep, the exact timing doesn't matter," Zhang said. "They think they can compensate for lost sleep during weekends or nap during the day. This is misleading."

"A disrupted sleep schedule, often referred to as 'social jetlag', can lead to chronic sleep issues, reducing both sleep quality and daytime performance."

Sleep experts have stressed the need to raise public awareness about sleep health. "Just as people monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar, they should also monitor their sleep," Ji said. "For those experiencing chronic sleep issues such as insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness, professional help should be sought promptly to prevent complications."

Over the past few years, China has been prioritizing sleep health as part of its broader public health agenda. The National Health Commission has actively integrated sleep health into public services, while new job opportunities, such as sleep health managers, have emerged. Furthermore, local sleep centers and research initiatives are expanding — strengthening the country's sleep health infrastructure.

Quality sleep is not just a luxury, but a fundamental pillar of overall health and well-being, essential for fostering a productive, healthy society where individuals can thrive both physically and mentally. Therefore, addressing sleep quality will ultimately contribute to a higher quality of life, paving the way for a healthier future for all citizens, the CSRS said.