UAE: Two Emirates Rank Lowest in Sleep Duration; Here’s Why

According to Whoop, a leading wearable technology company with millions of customers across over 60 countries, the UAE ranked third-lowest globally in sleep performance, with an average score of just 74 percent

The UAE has been ranked among the top six cities globally with the least amount of overall sleep, according to data released by the wearable company Whoop.

The findings, published at the end of December 2023, shed light on the sleep patterns of residents across various cities, with the UAE performing poorly in terms of total sleep duration.

Advertisement

However, the data also highlighted a silver lining: the country’s residents excel in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, a crucial phase of deep, restorative rest.

According to Whoop, a leading wearable technology company with millions of customers across over 60 countries, the UAE ranked third-lowest globally in sleep performance, with an average score of just 74 percent.

Sharjah, Jeddah, and Dubai topped the global list for the lowest sleep performance, with Sharjah coming in first place at 72.9 percent.

Despite the poor overall sleep performance, the UAE stands out for its high percentage of REM sleep. “The UAE ranks second globally after India for the highest REM sleep percentage at 22 percent,” said Stephan Muller, Marketing Director for Whoop in the GCC region.

REM sleep is typically associated with deeper rest and recovery, with significant benefits for mental clarity and overall health. Muller emphasized that while the country’s sleep duration may be insufficient, the quality of rest achieved during sleep is relatively high.

The late-night culture prevalent in the region is cited as a major contributing factor to the shorter sleep durations.

Advertisement

Cities such as Jeddah, Riyadh, and Sharjah are known for their late bedtimes, with Jeddah’s average bedtime being 2:31 a.m., Riyadh at 2:26 a.m., and Sharjah at 1:58 a.m.

These cities rank among the global leaders for the least sleep, further emphasizing the role of late-night habits in disrupting healthy sleep patterns.

“Late nights disrupt natural circadian rhythms and hinder recovery, creating a cycle of stress that negatively affects both physical and mental health,” said Matteo Franceschetti, co-founder and CEO of Eight Sleep.

Franceschetti stressed the importance of adjusting to healthier sleep habits, such as establishing more consistent bedtimes, to improve overall well-being.

In addition to the late-night culture, environmental factors also contribute to sleep disturbances. The UAE’s hot climate is a key disruptor, with 36 percent of residents citing temperature as a major factor in affecting their sleep.

To address this, Franceschetti noted the future of sleep technology would rely on personalized, data-driven approaches to optimize sleep environments and enhance recovery based on individual needs.

Health professionals also weighed in on the impact of insufficient sleep. Dr. Jolsana Augustine, a pulmonology specialist at Aster Hospital in Sharjah, warned that chronic sleep deprivation could have severe consequences on physical health.

“Sleep shortage weakens the immune system, increases susceptibility to illness, and disrupts cardiovascular and metabolic functions,” she said.

Dr. Augustine recommended adopting better sleep hygiene practices, such as reducing screen time before bed and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, to improve health outcomes.

Despite the challenges, experts believe that making small adjustments to sleep environments and routines could lead to significant improvements in sleep quality and overall health in the region.

 

Tariq Saeed

Read More

Every nation providing economic citizenship must have highest possible standards under due diligence: Leviten

A special episode on "The Mechanics of Due Diligence, World in Crisis: Securing Citizenship by Investment" was held by PWM's Financial Times studio, where three leading agencies of Due Diligence participated in a group discussion with Editor in Chief of Financial Journalist at Financial Times's PWM Magazine, Yuri Bender.

Middle East: Countries rank as “riskiest” nations receiving US weapons

Some of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa have been ranked as the “riskiest” nations that have received US arms sales,...

Dubai Municipality Introduces Revised Sewerage Fees to Support Sustainable Urban Development

Dubai Municipality announced a revised sewerage fee structure on Tuesday, marking the first update in a decade. The new fees, to be implemented over three years, aim to support sustainable growth and align with Dubai’s long-term infrastructure development goals

Recent

Rising Rental Prices in Sharjah and Ajman Attract Dubai Residents

Dubai residents are turning to Sharjah and Ajman for affordable living, as one- and two-bedroom apartment rents in these emirates have surged nearly 20% since late 2023, driven by significant cost differences compared to Dubai, says Raif Hassan Ikkeri

UAE records 318 new COVID cases with 0 deaths today

In United Arab Emirates, additional 318 individuals tested positive for the viral infection of COVID-19.

Suhail Star Appears in UAE Skies, Marking the Start of Seasonal Transition

An old Arab saying, "If Suhail rises, the night cools down," reflects the significance of this celestial event. While the temperature won't drop immediately, its appearance signifies the gradual onset of cooler nights and the first signs of a weather shift
admin