Singaporeans live a high-stress life that can leave us exhausted and unable to sleep.It can become a vicious cycle where insomnia leads to more stress and anxiety, thereby worsening your insomnia.

Here are some factors that lead to Singaporeans sleeping poorly:

Revenge bedtime procrastination

Ever heard of “revenge bedtime procrastination”? It comes from the Chinese term “报复性熬夜”, describing a phenomenon of workers from China who stay up late to get some freedom over their leisure time.

Learned a very relatable term today: “報復性熬夜” (revenge bedtime procrastination), a phenomenon in which people who don’t have much control over their daytime life refuse to sleep early in order to regain some sense of freedom during late night hours.

— daphne (@daphnekylee) June 28, 2020

Because of the stresses that come with work, Singaporeans can end up falling into the same trap.

Eating and drinking too much

One of the best things about Singapore is the cuisine. We socialise by going for meals or drinks.

Let’s say you enjoy drinking bubble tea. It might seem innocuous but it can actually affect your sleep as black tea used in milk tea drinks can contain caffeine. It’s the same with cola-styled soft drinks which have caffeine in them.

Alcohol is even more deceiving. The next time you hit the bars at Clarke Quay, at home, at the officer’s mess or at your local hawker centre, take note that alcohol might make you feel sleepy but can also cause you to be unable to sleep!

Hot tropical weather, bad sleep

Have you noticed that the weather in Singapore has been getting hotter?

That’s a problem because we are all used to sleeping within a specific temperature range.

If the temperature gets too hot, you might not be able to be comfortable with a fan. A fan can only cool the body if the ambient temperature is below a certain temperature. If not, it will actually heat your body up!

9 tips to fix insomnia

Sleep is fragile. Many factors can contribute to poor sleep; studies have shown medications can only at best provide short-term help.

Here at SIRE, we believe building resilience through various ways to protect our sleep is the way to go.

Here we share our top tips for a better night of rest:

1. Stick to a sleep schedule

Having a consistent bedtime and wake time leads to more regular sleep schedules and avoids periods of sleep deprivation or periods of extended wakefulness during the night. Begin by getting up at the same time in the morning regardless of how much sleep was obtained.

2. Exercise regularly, but not too late in the day

Daytime physical activity is encouraged, in particular, 4-6 hours before bedtime, as this may facilitate sleep onset. However, vigorous exercise within 2 hours of bedtime is discouraged.

3. Avoid caffeine and nicotine

Avoid caffeine after lunch. Caffeine requires about 10-14 hours to be cleared from the body. The time window between lunch and bedtime allows caffeine to be out of the body before bedtime.

Nicotine is a stimulant and should be avoided near bedtime and at night.

4. Avoid alcohol before bed

Alcohol taken is initially sedating to the body, but as it gets broken down there is a potential stimulating effect. Alcohol also negatively impacts sleep architecture – this can result in a poorer quality of sleep.

5. Avoid large meals at night

Avoid a large meal near bedtime, but don’t go to bed hungry. Eat a healthy and filling meal in the evening and avoid late-night snacks.

6. Avoid taking naps

Avoid napping, especially naps lasting longer than 1 hour and naps late in the day (after 3pm).

7. Relax before bed

Acquiring strategies to manage anxiety or other psychological concerns can resolve underlying causes of insomnia.

Psychologists and counsellors are readily available to help you work through issues and equip you with the necessary relaxation skills and coping techniques.

Relaxation exercises through progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness and meditation can be practised 1-2 hours before bedtime.

8. Dark, cool and gadget-free bedroom

Noise and light exposure during the night can disrupt sleep.

White noise or ear plugs are often recommended to reduce noise. Using blackout shades or an eye mask is commonly recommended to reduce light.

This may also include avoiding exposure to television or technology near bedtime as this can have an impact on circadian rhythms by shifting sleep timing earlier.

Avoid checking the time at night. This includes alarm clocks and other time pieces (e.g. watches and smartphones). Checking the time increases cognitive arousal and prolongs wakefulness.

9. Don’t lie in bed awake

Go to bed only when sleepy. Use the bed and bedroom only for sleep (and sex). If you are in bed and unable to sleep, get out of bed and return only when sleep. Typically, this is within 20 minutes.

There is just no quick fix for insomnia. A good night of rest restores and recharges physically, emotionally and mentally. Disrupted sleep is often a result of multiple contributing factors; always seek professional help when required.

SIRE can help you sleep better

Sleep needs to be protected and healthy habits can be acquired and developed.

Here at SIRE, we are here to help.

By sharing the challenges you have, doctors can uncover what the best method to treat your sleep issues.

If your sleep issues come from being a globetrotting executive, then the medication for jet lag could be a simple melatonin spray.

However, if you are suffering from short-term insomnia, then we could prescribe Circadin, which is prescription-grade melatonin treatment.

Let’s start by understanding what’s the root cause of your sleep issues. Book an appointment now and solve your sleep issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is insomnia so common in Singapore?

Insomnia is prevalent in Singapore due to a combination of factors, including high levels of stress, demanding work schedules, digital device usage before bedtime, urban noise, and a fast-paced lifestyle that may disrupt sleep patterns.

Q: How does stress contribute to insomnia?

Stress activates the body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing hormones like cortisol that can interfere with sleep. In a highly competitive environment like Singapore, stress-related sleep problems are common.

Q: Can lifestyle choices impact insomnia?

Absolutely. Poor sleep hygiene, irregular sleep schedules, excessive caffeine intake, and lack of physical activity can all contribute to insomnia.

Q: What are the potential consequences of chronic insomnia?

Chronic insomnia can lead to daytime fatigue, impaired cognitive function, mood disturbances, reduced productivity, and an increased risk of other health conditions like obesity and heart disease.

Q: Should I consult a healthcare professional for insomnia?

If insomnia persists despite implementing lifestyle changes, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can assess your situation, identify underlying causes, and recommend appropriate treatments.