Survey Reveals Sleep Quality Crisis Among Mothers and Gig Workers in China

A recent survey has unveiled alarming trends in sleep quality among specific demographics in China, particularly mothers, middle-income earners, and individuals engaged in gig economy jobs. Conducted as part of the Annual Sleep Report of China 2025, this comprehensive analysis highlights significant disparities in sleep duration and quality, with implications for public health and workplace policies.

The survey, which utilized the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, assessed various factors affecting sleep quality across different groups. According to the findings, mothers average only 7.68 hours of sleep per night, which is 16.2 minutes less than their non-mother counterparts. This statistic underscores the challenges faced by mothers in balancing familial responsibilities and personal well-being, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Emily Chen, a sleep researcher at Peking University. "The demands of motherhood significantly impact sleep duration and quality, making it crucial to address these challenges through policy and community support," she stated in a recent interview.

The study further indicates that the nature of one’s profession plays a critical role in sleep quality. Traditional flexible workers reported the highest sleep quality, benefiting from the ability to set their own schedules, while traditional formal employees exhibited the lowest sleep quality, particularly among those aged 35 to 44, who frequently suffer from insomnia. According to a report by the China Labor Statistics Center, 30% of formal employees in this age group reported chronic sleep deprivation, raising concerns about its long-term health effects.

Conversely, individuals involved in new forms of employment, such as delivery drivers and online influencers, experienced even worse sleep outcomes. Delivery drivers averaged just 6.63 hours of sleep per night, followed by internet marketers at 6.79 hours, and ride-hailing drivers at 6.8 hours. Quoting the report, Dr. Mei Wang, a sociologist at Tsinghua University, noted, "The gig economy imposes irregular work hours that disrupt natural sleep cycles, leading to heightened levels of insomnia. This is particularly troubling given the rapid growth of this sector in China."

The middle-income demographic, comprising over 400 million people, faces similar challenges. Approximately 45% of this group reported going to bed after midnight, with an average sleep duration of only 6.85 hours—below the recommended threshold of 7 to 8 hours as outlined by the National Health Commission’s Healthy China Action Plan. The report highlights that 70% of middle-income respondents experienced varying degrees of insomnia, with a concerning 47% taking over 30 minutes to fall asleep.

Moreover, frequent business travel exacerbates the issue, with noise and uncomfortable bedding cited as significant factors affecting sleep quality. Research by the China Sleep Research Association indicates that the growing awareness of sleep's impact on overall health is prompting shifts in consumer behavior. In 2023, 38.43% of survey participants reported spending over 200 yuan (approximately $28) on sleep-related products and services, reflecting a burgeoning demand in the sleep health industry.

The market size for sleep-related products in China reached 495.58 billion yuan in 2023, representing a year-on-year growth rate of 8.6%. Projections suggest this market may exceed 1 trillion yuan by 2030, driven by rising consumer awareness and demand for quality sleep solutions. According to Mr. Liu Feng, CEO of SleepTech Corp, "The increasing prevalence of sleep disorders has created a lucrative market for innovative sleep solutions, from smart mattresses to sleep aids that cater to diverse consumer needs."

This survey serves as a clarion call for policymakers, employers, and healthcare providers to address the growing sleep crisis. As sleep quality is intrinsically linked to health outcomes, productivity, and overall well-being, comprehensive strategies that promote better sleep hygiene and working conditions are essential. The implications of these findings extend beyond individual health, potentially impacting economic productivity and social stability as China navigates its path toward sustainable development.