India’s Sleep Crisis: A Nation Running On Sleepless Nights

On the eve of World Sleep Day 2025, Wakefit.co, a D2C sleep and home solutions provider, presents the 8th edition of its in-house survey, The Great Indian Sleep Scorecard (GISS) 2025, offering a perspective on India’s evolving sleep patterns. The report intends to highlight trends, including late-night sleep schedules, digital dependency, and the impact of sleep deprivation on overall well-being. With over 4,500 responses across India, collected between March 2024 and February 2025, the survey records shifting sleep behaviors and their potential implications on daily life.

Key findings from the survey:

● 58% of respondents reported sleeping past 11 p.m., exceeding the recommended bedtime of 10 p.m.
● 44% do not feel refreshed upon waking up
● 18% of respondents wake up after 9 a.m.
● 35% stay up worrying about the future, suggesting heightened stress-related sleep disruptions.

Gender differences and geographic variations highlight trends in sleep habits. Among women, 59% report sleeping past 11 p.m., and 50% experience morning fatigue, compared to 42% of men. Additionally, 13% of women wake up three or more times per night, compared to 9% of men. Regionally, Kolkata reports the highest percentage of individuals going to bed post-11 p.m. (72.8%), while Chennai and Hyderabad report the lowest (around 55%). Additionally, Kolkata and Chennai both report the highest percentage of respondents not feeling refreshed on waking up (56%), followed closely by Bengaluru (54%).

Digital Disruptions: The Smartphone Sleep Sabotage

The survey also reveals a link between digital habits and sleep quality. [About 84% of respondents use their phones just before bedtime, which can lead to delayed sleep onset and fragmented rest. Furthermore, 51% attribute their late nights to scrolling and binge-watching, contributing to 59% experiencing daytime sleepiness at work. This usage of phones before bedtime seems to be most prevalent in the 25-30 age group (90%), while cities like Gurugram (94%) and Bengaluru (90%) report the highest incidences of bedtime phone usage.

The Health Fallout: Sleep Deprivation is Taking a Toll

Insights from past editions of GISS suggest that sleep deprivation is a persistent concern. [Over the last three years, 51-58% of respondents have consistently reported sleeping past 11 p.m. Around 1 in 3 Indians suspect they have insomnia, reflecting a rising concern about sleep disorders. Phone usage before bedtime has remained high (84-90%) over the years, with morning fatigue consistently affecting nearly half of the respondents. More than half report experiencing daytime drowsiness at work, indicating an ongoing challenge in maintaining sleep health.

Are Indians rethinking the way they sleep?

There is, however, a growing awareness that quality sleep is essential for well-being. [About 38% of respondents recognize that unplugging from screens before bed can improve sleep quality, and 31% are actively working towards maintaining a consistent sleep routine.

Commenting on the findings, Chaitanya Ramalingegowda, Co-founder and Director of Wakefit.co, said, “The Great Indian Sleep Scorecard 2025 intends to underscore the evolving sleep habits of
Indians and the challenges they face in achieving restorative rest. As digital habits and work pressures continue to shape lifestyles, prioritizing sleep as a pillar of well-being is becoming increasingly important. At Wakefit.co, we remain committed to driving research-backed conversations around sleep health. Through eight years of The Great Indian Sleep Scorecard, we aim to raise awareness and encourage individuals to make informed choices for better sleep health.”

The Great Indian Sleep Scorecard is an annual in-house survey by Wakefit.co, now in its eighth edition. The 2025 report analyzed 4,500+ responses collected between March 2024 and February
2025, covering a diverse demographic across Indian cities and age groups. Wakefit.co intends to contribute to the sleep and home solutions ecosystem, through data-driven insights and awareness building initiatives.