World Sleep Day: Chinese people tend to sleep late, reveals study

Almost half of a surveyed group of respondents go to bed after midnight, according to a recent survey on Chinese people's sleep habits ahead of the World Sleep Day on March 21, an occasion which is designed to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society. 

The report follows a survey conducted by the Chinese Sleep Research Society in February among 10-thousand young students, working populations, retirees and others. Among the 47 percent of people slumbering after midnight, 13 percent of the interviewees delayed their sleep after 2 a.m. People born in the 2000s fall asleep at 00:33 on average.  

There appears to be an optimal bedtime – around 10 p.m. – linked to better heart health, said the researchers, who joined the recent press conference in Beijing held by the Chinese Sleep Research Society.

Meanwhile, they also believe the proper duration of sleep for adults is seven to eight hours per night. According to the survey, people only sleep an average of 6.75 hours per night. 

China began to mark the World Sleep Day in 2003, raising public awareness about good-quality sleep, via organizing activities with different themes.

To echo this year's theme, "Everyone benefits from healthy sleep," let's reflect on the profound significance of this nightly ritual with the timeless verses of Meng Haoran, a Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet who skillfully captures the serenity of awakening after a restful spring night.  

As the relentless pace of modern life engulfs us, may we discover the profound tranquility in the embrace of sleep, unlocking the incredible potential hidden within each nocturnal journey.

May we all dream, and dream well.