The hustle among urban dwellers, whose lives are filled with long hours of meetings, commuting, and endless screen time, takes up a larger share of their daily hours, leaving very little time for sleep, which could drastically impact their health.

 

Ideally, most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep each night to recover and function properly. However, a 2026 survey by LocalCircles showcases a different picture of Indians' sleeping habits, with 46% of surveyed Indians not even able to get 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

 

An important factor in a healthy life that often remains ignored because of a busy lifestyle, sleep deprivation can hinder a person's overall productivity. Prolonged sleep deprivation could cause serious and long-term health risks. Despite the rising share of the sleep industry in India, which signals growing awareness of sleep environments, it has not resolved the problem, suggesting that the root of the issue lies in lifestyle and environment, which cannot be fixed without rewiring the life people have been leading for years.

 

The big picture: India’s sleep crisis

 

The LocalCircles survey, which received over 89,000 responses from different parts of India, revealed the state of Indians' sleeping habits. Though better than last year, when 59% of surveyed Indians reported getting less than 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep, the number came down to 46% this year. However, that doesn’t mean the situation is any better or reassuring, as almost half of the surveyed population is still facing inadequate sleep.

 

Even for people who consider themselves to have gotten 8 hours of sleep as measured by the clock, they can still feel fatigued and wonder about the reason behind it. But lying in bed for 8 hours and sleeping for a similar duration are two different things. Sleep can be interrupted by several factors. According to the LocalCircles survey, among respondents who reported sleep interruptions, 72% said they had to wake up to use the washroom.

 

 

But the contrasting picture also highlights the rising sleep economy, with the sleep industry in India growing despite poor sleep habits.

According to a Wakefit survey that ranked Indian cities on their sleeping habits, Chennai was positioned as India's most disciplined sleeping city, with the lowest late-bedtime rate of 48.8%. Meanwhile, Mumbai emerged as the most sleep-deprived city in the 2026 survey, while Delhi also ranked among the cities with poorer sleep indicators.

 

Why urban life is stealing our nights

 

Living in the digital era has blurred the line between office and personal hours—keeping people busy even after their work schedule, which can hinder their lifestyle. Meanwhile, the daily commute can take a significant amount of time, followed by late-night dining and scrolling that can keep individuals awake until midnight or later. Their strict schedules compel them to wake up early in the morning without getting the recommended amount of sleep.

 

The 2026 ResMed Global Sleep Survey found that 67% of employees surveyed globally said inadequate sleep directly affects their ability to focus and perform at work. Meanwhile, Wakefit's research has also highlighted workplace sleepiness among Indian employees. To regain focus, the consumption of caffeine can become a habit that people rely on, including late in the day, which can further disrupt sleep.

 

Health costs: from fatigue to ICU

 

The consequences of chronic sleep loss go far beyond morning grogginess. Insufficient sleep is associated with an increased risk of several health problems, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Poor sleep can also affect mental health and daytime functioning.

When sleep is repeatedly disrupted by late meals, caffeine, and screen use, the body may not get adequate restorative sleep. Over time, insufficient sleep can affect metabolic health, cardiovascular function, immunity, and mental well-being.

 

For many urban Indians, the warning signs can include persistent fatigue, headaches, mood changes, and reduced tolerance for stress. Yet sleep is still sometimes treated as a luxury rather than a biological necessity. Until it is recognized as an important public health issue, the cost can be reflected not just in lost productivity but also in long-term health outcomes.

 

Who is most affected?

 

While sleep deprivation cuts across age and income groups, certain groups are particularly affected. Young professionals in metros—especially in IT, finance, startups, and media—may routinely sacrifice sleep for deadlines, client calls, and networking.

 

 

Resident doctors face an even starker reality: a 2026 FAIMA survey of 1,260 resident doctors across 28 states and Union Territories found that 87.8% reported sleep deprivation due to their work schedules. The survey also found that 61.8% had worked continuously for more than 36 hours.

 

Shift workers in BPOs, logistics, healthcare, and the gig economy can also struggle with irregular schedules that disrupt their sleep patterns. Women may experience additional sleep challenges while juggling work, household duties and caregiving. For all these groups, sleep is not just a personal habit—it can also be shaped by work culture, city design, and social expectations.

 

What people are trying (and why it often fails)

 

In response, Indians are spending more on sleep solutions. The sleep industry includes mattresses, pillows, sleep trackers, white-noise machines, and other sleep-related products. However, products alone cannot address every behavioral or environmental factor affecting sleep.

 

 

Many people may buy premium mattresses but continue scrolling late into the night; others track their sleep but do not address habits such as late-day caffeine consumption.

 

Experts and sleep-health guidance emphasize behavioral changes such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen exposure before bedtime, avoiding caffeine late in the day, and developing a relaxing wind-down routine. Without addressing daily habits, improving the sleep environment alone may not fully resolve sleep problems.

 

Sleep as a public health issue

Sleep is not just a private struggle; it is also a public health issue shaped by work policies, urban planning, lifestyle, and climate. According to ResMed's 2026 Global Sleep Survey, 92% of Indian workers surveyed reported taking at least one “snooze day” in the past year because of sleep deprivation.

If productivity had a hidden metric, would it be sleep? Until companies, cities, and families treat rest as an important part of well-being, India’s sleep crisis could continue to affect people's health and productivity. The question is no longer whether we can afford to sleep more—but whether we can afford not to.