I refer to the article “More than 40% of Singaporeans not clocking enough sleep on weekdays: SingHealth Polyclinics study” (Straits Times, Jan 10).

It states that “More than 40 per cent of Singaporeans do not get enough sleep on weekdays, according to the results of a study by SingHealth Polyclinics released on Tuesday (Jan 10).

60% of Chinese & 40% of Malays and Indians had sufficient sleep?

Six in 10 Chinese participants had sufficient sleep. In comparison, around 40 per cent of Malays and Indians got adequate rest.

Sleep time of less than seven hours was considered insufficient, which in the long run can affect the body’s immune system, memory, concentration and daily functioning.

… they hoped to identify “modifiable factors” that doctors could use to advise their patients when faced with sleep inadequacy-related health problems.

Other aspects considered include consumption habits, employment, home environment and regularity of sleep patterns.”

Contributing reasons for the lack of sleep?

Some possible contributing reasons for the lack of sleep may be as follows:-

… Singapore had the highest average annual hours actually worked per worker in the world, in 2015

… We have probably one of the highest proportion of low wage workers among developed countries

… We are the most expensive city in the world for the third year running (The Economist)

So, in summary – Singaporeans may be “lack of sleep” because arguably, we work the longest for one of the lowest pay in the world’s most expensive city?

Leong Sze Hian