Fatigue, grogginess in the morning results of late night phone usage, study reveals

Sleep is sidelined as late-night entertainment takes precedence. (Image: Canva)

Sleep is a cornerstone of good health, and ensuring we get the right amount of rest at the right time is essential. However, it appears that Indians are grappling with a growing sleep crisis.

Wakefit's Great Indian Scorecard 2025 highlights concerning sleep trends, revealing that many Indians are neglecting healthy sleep habits by staying up later than recommended. This disruption is causing a range of negative effects. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from the survey.

When are Indians going to bed?

A timely bedtime is a crucial aspect of a healthy lifestyle, but an increasing number of Indians are failing to prioritise it. Wakefit’s survey, which gathered 4,500 responses from across the country between March 2024 and February 2025, shows significant shifts in sleep patterns.

Notably, 58 percent of participants reported going to bed after 11 p.m., which exceeds the advised bedtime of 10 p.m. The survey also identified regional differences: Kolkata has the highest percentage of late sleepers (72.8 percent ), while cities like Chennai and Hyderabad reported the lowest (around 55 percent ).

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What’s causing late bedtimes?

One key reason for these late nights is the growing preference for late-night entertainment. The survey found that 84 percent  of respondents use their phones before bed, with many indulging in binge-watching sessions.

Phone usage before sleep is especially prevalent among the 25-30 age group, with this demographic spending 90 percent more time on their phones compared to others. Cities like Gurugram (94 percent ) and Bengaluru (90 percent) exhibit the highest levels of phone use at bedtime.

This trend is often tied to a phenomenon called "revenge bedtime procrastination," where young professionals, after a long workday, delay sleep to carve out personal time for themselves. Whether it’s scrolling through social media or watching TV shows, this behaviour has become a way to reclaim lost moments of relaxation.

Additionally, 35 percent of respondents admitted that they stay up worrying about their future, pointing to a significant level of stress that contributes to disrupted sleep.

Immediate consequences of late sleep

The consequences of staying up too late and not getting enough sleep are starting to show. According to the survey:

• 44 percent of respondents wake up feeling unrested, which affects their overall well-being.
• 59 percent reported experiencing daytime sleepiness at work, making it difficult to stay productive and alert.

Also Read | How to sleep better: 9 healthy habits to prevent insomnia, sleep apnoea, promote overall well-being

A long-standing issue

This trend of late-night sleeping isn’t new. In Wakefit’s previous Great Indian Scorecard, 51-58 percent of respondents reported consistently going to bed after 11 p.m. Additionally, 1 in 3 Indians self-reported symptoms of insomnia. The issue of phone usage before bed also remains troubling, with 84-90 percent of respondents using their phones in the late hours over the past two years.

It seems that, despite growing awareness of the importance of sleep, many Indians continue to struggle with maintaining healthy sleep habits.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.