China is on a mission to promote sleep health, as a new survey shows that the average sleep duration for Chinese people has slightly increased to 6.97 hours per night over the past year.

According to the report by the China Sleep Research Society, sleep quality remains a pressing issue for many.

The 2026 China Sleep Health White Paper, released on Saturday as the country observed World Sleep Day, showed that although the average time it takes for people to fall asleep has improved by eight minutes, now at 00:10 am, and the average waking time has shifted to 7:27 am, four minutes earlier, nighttime disturbances — include waking up and total time spent awake — have increased.

Sleep regularity remains a significant concern, with only 26 percent of respondents reporting a consistent sleep schedule. College students, in particular, show markedly different patterns, with 90 percent going to bed after midnight and more than 70 percent waking up after 8 am. However, only 4 percent of them sleep less than six hours per night, far lower than the 23 percent observed in the general population.

The theme for World Sleep Day this year was "Quality Sleep, Better Life", highlighting the critical role sleep plays in achieving a healthier and more fulfilling life, the society said at a recent news conference.

"Quality sleep is not merely a period of rest but a crucial physiological process that supports bodily repair, memory consolidation and cognitive health," said Ji Xunming, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a neurosurgeon. "Sleep is essential for children's growth, adults' brain detoxification and memory strengthening, and for the elderly to preserve cognitive function and slow the aging process."

The rapid development of modern society has introduced unprecedented sleep challenges. Epidemiological data shows that more than 300 million people in China suffer from various sleep disorders, including difficulty falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, early morning awakenings, breathing problems and excessive daytime sleepiness, Ji said.

"These issues are closely linked to the occurrence and progression of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mood disorders," he said. "They not only compromise physical and mental health but also significantly affect overall quality of life."

A healthy sleep pattern is multidimensional, encompassing sleep efficiency, duration, timing, regularity, alertness and satisfaction, said Zhang Bin, vice-president of the China Sleep Research Society.

He warned against common misconceptions. "People often believe that as long as they get seven to eight hours of sleep, the timing does not matter. They think they can make up for lost sleep on weekends or through daytime naps. This is misleading," he said.

"A disrupted sleep schedule, often referred to as 'social jetlag', can lead to chronic sleep issues, reducing both sleep quality and daytime performance."

Experts stressed the need to raise public awareness of sleep health.

"Just as people monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar, they should also monitor their sleep," Ji said. "Those experiencing chronic sleep problems, such as insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness, should seek professional help promptly to prevent complications."

In recent years, China has prioritized sleep health as part of its broader public health agenda. The National Health Commission has incorporated sleep health into public services, while new roles such as sleep health managers have emerged. Meanwhile, local sleep centers and research initiatives are expanding, strengthening the country's sleep health infrastructure.

According to the society, quality sleep is not a luxury but a fundamental pillar of overall health and well-being, essential to building a productive and healthy society where individuals can thrive both physically and mentally.

xunuo@chinadaily.com.cn