In recent years, a noticeable shift has emerged in the sleeping patterns of Chinese citizens, particularly among the younger demographics. A recently conducted survey by the Chinese Sleep Research Society indicates that as of February 2025, the average bedtime for Chinese people has crept to 00:18 am, which is 17 minutes later than the previous year. Alarmingly, about 80 percent of college students report hitting the pillow after midnight, with one in four falling asleep past 2 am. Additionally, roughly one in three students does not wake until after 9 am.
This survey was released on March 21, 2025, coinciding with World Sleep Day, as researchers emphasize the growing concerns surrounding sleep health. The data analyzed came from over 150,000 individuals using wearable devices, and the findings shine a light on the considerable impacts of lifestyle choices on sleep quality. Huang Zhili, president of the society and a professor at Fudan University in Shanghai, expressed that “sleep, nutrition, and exercise are recognized as the three pillars of a healthy life, with sleep being the cornerstone of these pillars. Adequate and consistent sleep is crucial.”
Alongside late bedtimes, more students are reporting challenges with sleep quality. Approximately 65 percent of those surveyed indicated they experience sleep issues at least once or twice a week, with common symptoms including insomnia, nighttime awakenings, and snoring. As noted by Wang Zan, a chief physician of neurology at the First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, healthy sleep encompasses not just duration, but efficiency, timing, regularity, and satisfaction.
Interestingly, young people sharing insights on social media have coined the phrase “revenge bedtime procrastination.” This term describes their evening habits of sacrificing valuable sleep hours in favor of reclaiming a sense of personal time after rigorous daytime commitments. One user from Zhejiang province shared her routine of scrolling through short videos late into the night, while another netizen from Guangxi expressed feeling compelled to stay up late on her phone as a form of retaliation against a hectic work life. “Just thinking about having to get up for work the next day makes me reluctant to go to sleep,” she commented.
This newfound lifestyle habit coincides with an alarming rise in sleep disorders in China. During a World Sleep Day event held on the same date, medical experts highlighted insomnia and sleep apnea as the two most prevalent issues affecting the populace. Han Fang, head of the sleep medicine clinic at Peking University People’s Hospital, warned that over 90 types of sleep problems exist, and that around 10 percent of the population may require medical interventions concerning their sleep health.
Worryingly, an estimated 60 million Chinese individuals are believed to suffer from moderate to severe sleep apnea, which impedes breathing during sleep. Unfortunately, less than 1 percent of those who have sleep apnea receive timely diagnosis and treatment. Persistent insomnia is another growing concern, with Han noting that chronic insomnia symptoms lasting three months or longer impact roughly 38 percent of the population.
The call for enhanced sleep medicine services is imperative, as the National Health Commission has mandated that every municipal-level region have at least one hospital capable of providing sleep medicine services by the end of November this year. As shared by Han, “It is encouraging to see that the nation has stressed the significance of improving sleep medicine services and spreading awareness about sleep hygiene.”
In light of these health revelations, some lifestyle adjustments could significantly benefit sleep health. Medical experts recommend establishing a consistent sleep schedule, ensuring a cool and dark sleeping environment, and incorporating regular exercise. Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalist Li Yuehong asserted that aerobic exercises, such as jogging, can effectively mitigate stress and help him sleep better before competitions: “I would engage in exercises such as jogging, and sweat slightly before sleep, so that I can gradually relax myself and have a good sleep.”
As China grapples with rising sleep problems and a culture of late-night activity, attention to these issues has never been more critical. Raising awareness about sleep hygiene and promoting healthier bedtime habits among the younger population could help reverse these concerning trends.
