Sleep troubles jump 20% with young adults among the worst hit—sleep centre

SINGAPORE: Sleep centres across Singapore are seeing a rise in the number of people seeking treatment for sleep-related issues, with young adults making up a growing proportion of patients, according to clinicians.

One sleep centre told 8World that it has observed an annual increase of 10% to 20% in people turning to them for help. More of these cases now involve young adults aged 15 to 30, many of whom tend to dismiss their symptoms until things get worse.

Experts warn that sleep issues among young people are often not taken seriously, even though they can lead to long-term health problems if left untreated.

Stress is a major culprit. Whether it’s pressure from school, family tensions, or social issues, it’s enough to throw off a young person’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Physically, doctors are seeing a range of issues — from delayed sleep phase syndrome, which causes people to stay up and wake later than usual, to poor sleep habits from irregular routines, and even sleep apnea. Many young patients also report feeling constantly tired, even after what seems like a full night’s rest.

Snoring is one of the most frequently reported symptoms, according to clinicians, with young patients reporting they feel unrested in the morning or constantly drained during the day.

Experts believe more youngsters could be seeking help thanks to increased public awareness and the growing availability of sleep aids in the market.

At the same time, there’s concern about a parallel trend: young people self-medicating or seeking quick fixes like over-the-counter remedies without proper diagnosis or without addressing the root causes.

Doctors recommend that individuals aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Those who feel chronically tired, struggle to fall asleep, or suspect something might be wrong are urged to seek medical advice.