On March 18, the release ceremony for the China Sleep Research Report 2022 (hereinafter referred to as the “Report”) was held in Beijing. Distinguished guests in attendance included Chen Guangjin, Director of the Institute of Sociology at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Wang Limin, President of Social Sciences Academic Press; Han Fang, Secretary-General of the World Sleep Society and President of the Asian Sleep Association; and Guo Xiheng, Standing Committee Member of the Sleep Medicine Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association and Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Yang Gang, President of Sleemon Furniture Co., Ltd., extended congratulations via video message.

The Report is the first sleep research study conducted from sociological and social psychology perspectives, jointly released by the Institute of Sociology at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Sleemon Sleep Research Institute, with academic support from the Chinese Sleep Research Society and research collaboration from ZhiMeng Consulting. As a comprehensive academic publication analyzing sleep conditions, challenges, and societal impacts amid social transformations, the Report aims to decode underlying factors affecting Chinese people’s sleep, raise public awareness, and collectively improve sleep health to support the “Healthy China” initiative.

The Report evaluates national sleep conditions through a Sleep Index based on three dimensions: sleep quality, sleep environment, and sleep beliefs/behaviors. Findings reveal China’s 2021 Sleep Index at 64.78 points (out of 100), slightly above及格线, indicating generally suboptimal sleep health.

Key data on sleep habits:

• Most respondents went to bed between 10 PM–12 AM and woke between 6–8 AM.

• 64.75% slept fewer than 8 hours daily; only 7.97% exceeded      8 hours. The national average sleep duration was 7.06 hours.

• In contrast, just 27.87% worked/studied under 8      hours daily, while 42.35% exceeded 8 hours—including 3.54% surpassing 12      hours. Average daily work/study time reached 8.15 hours, highlighting      a widespread sleep deficit amid demanding schedules.

Sleep Conditions Across Demographics

The Report also examined specific groups—primary/secondary students, university students, professionals, and new mothers:

1. Primary/Secondary Students: Post-“Double Reduction”      policy, 61.53% of parents reported earlier bedtimes (64.19% primary; 51.82% secondary). 69.98% noted      improved sleep quality (71.18% primary; 65.58% secondary),      affirming the policy’s positive      impact.

• University Students: “Bedtime procrastination” is prevalent, with smartphone overuse as a key disruptor.      Only 2.76% never used phones before sleep, while 61.53% did      so nightly.

3. Professionals:

• 11.33% reported severe sleep deprivation; 44.83% experienced       1–2 insufficient       nights weekly; 20.20%, 3–4 nights. Only 19.21% had no issues.

• Work stress and “work       rumination” (overthinking       job tasks) were primary causes of insomnia and delayed sleep onset.

• Over 60% relied on tea/coffee for alertness.

4. New Mothers:

• Average nightly sleep: 7.26 hours (aligned       with 70.06% of mothers’ expectations).

• Just 14.37% felt fully rested; 33.83% reported       partial satisfaction, while 11.98% felt unrested—reflecting moderate sleep satisfaction       overall.

Sleep Matters for Social Development: Advocating the “118” Healthy Sleep Principle

The Report emphasizes that studying sleep issues solely from the perspective of lifestyle habits is insufficient. The importance of sleep research must be elevated to assess public mental health, happiness, quality of life, and societal well-being. Sleep should be recognized as a key indicator of social development.

Research on the relationship between sleep quality and mental health reveals that while the general public’s mental health is relatively stable, some individuals exhibit lower psychological well-being. Sleep quality is closely linked to mental health—good sleep not only aids physical recovery but also significantly contributes to positive psychological development.

Findings on public happiness indicate that overall life satisfaction is moderately high, with sleep quality playing a crucial role. Improving sleep should be treated as a “livelihood priority” on par with enhancing food, clothing, housing, and transportation—ensuring better sleep can elevate the public’s sense of happiness and quality of life.

The study also highlights sleep’s substantial impact on life quality. Increased sleep duration correlates with higher life satisfaction, while better sleep quality leads to overall well-being improvements. Therefore, prioritizing sleep health is essential—it serves as the foundation for both individual wellness and societal progress.

The China Sleep Research Report 2022 calls for nationwide adoption of the “118” Healthy Sleep Principle: “Sleep by 11 PM, aim for 8 hours.” This concept promotes structured sleep routines, with 54.28% of respondents endorsing the approach. The principle emphasizes consistency—going to bed and waking up at fixed times daily—rather than rigid hourly targets.

Expert Insight: Quality and Rhythm Matter

Han Fang, Secretary-General of the World Sleep Society, notes:
“Two critical aspects of sleep are quality and regularity. ‘Regularity’ doesn’t just mean clocking 8 hours at any time—it requires alignment with natural circadian rhythms, like waking with daylight. Sleeping from 10 PM to 7 AM differs fundamentally from 3 AM to 11 AM in restorative effect. Oversleeping during biologically active hours fails to resolve sleep deficits.”