Mothers & Delivery Drivers: Sleepless Nights’ Impact

SHANGHAI, June 17, 2025

Customers experience a smart bed, which is branded to be able to help people fall asleep faster, during an exhibition for the hotel industry in Shanghai on April 2.

Sleep Struggles Across china

A new study reveals that mothers, middle-income earners, and those in new employment models are experiencing shorter and poorer sleep quality.

• Mothers sleep an average of 7.68 hours per night, significantly less than their non-mother counterparts.
• Traditional flexible workers report the best sleep quality, while those in new employment models struggle.
• Middle-income earners also face sleep challenges, with many going to bed after midnight.

A recent 2024 survey paints a stark picture of sleep quality in China. The findings, published in the Annual Sleep Report of China 2025, indicate that mothers, middle-income earners, and those in new forms of employment are struggling to get adequate rest. This impacts their overall well-being.

motherhood and Sleep: A Delicate Balance

The survey revealed a strong correlation between motherhood and sleep quality.Mothers reported sleeping an average of 7.68 hours per night, which is 16.2 minutes shorter than women without children.This highlights the challenges mothers face in balancing their responsibilities.

Did you know?-Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illness. Prioritizing sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being.

The Impact of Professions on Sleep

Different professions also experience varying sleep quality, according to the survey. Traditional flexible workers, who can adjust their schedules, reported the best sleep. Traditional formal employees, especially in the 35-44 age group, reported the lowest sleep quality and higher rates of insomnia.

Those involved in new forms of employment, such as delivery riders and online influencers, reported the shortest sleep duration and the highest instances of insomnia. Takeaway riders and couriers averaged 6.63 hours of sleep, while online influencers got 6.79 hours.

Middle-Income Earners: A Growing Concern

Middle-income earners, representing over 400 million people in China, also reported poor sleep quality. About 45% of this group go to sleep after midnight, with an average sleep duration of 6.85 hours. This is below the recommended 7 to 8 hours outlined in the Healthy China Action Plan.

Reader question:-What steps do you take to improve yoru sleep environment? Share your tips and tricks for creating a more restful space.

Over 70% of middle-income respondents reported varying degrees of insomnia. Additionally, approximately 47% of this group cannot fall asleep within 30 minutes. About 15% of the respondents reported taking over an hour to fall asleep, contributing to lower sleep efficiency.

Business Trips and Sleep Quality

Frequent business trips also negatively affect sleep quality. Factors such as noise and the comfort of mattresses and pillows were cited as meaningful influencers by business travelers.

The Rise of Sleep-Enhancing Products

The report indicates that people are increasingly aware of the importance of sleep. Of the respondents who reported sleep disturbances, 62.17% took steps to improve their sleep. Consumer demand for sleep products is rising, with 38.43% of those surveyed spending over 200 yuan ($28) on sleep-related products and services last year, leading to the growth in the sleep health industry.

Pro tip:-Establish a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up around the same time every day, even on weekends, to regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

In 2023, the sleep industry in China reached 495.58 billion yuan, growing 8.6% year-over-year. The market is expected to surpass 1 trillion yuan by 2030.

The Temple of Mindfulness: Exploring Ancient Practices for Modern Sleep

As the sleep health industry in China booms, it’s worth considering how ancient practices might offer solutions to modern sleep struggles. From the bustling streets of Shanghai to the serene landscapes of rural China, the quest for better sleep is a universal concern. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a rich framework for understanding and addressing sleep disorders. TCM views the body as an interconnected system, where imbalances in “qi” (vital energy) can disrupt sleep patterns. This contrasts to a Western approach which often focuses on pharmaceuticals for these types of problems. Therefore, exploring these traditional methods alongside modern innovations offers a holistic approach to sleep wellness.

The Shaolin Temple, a symbol of strength and discipline in Chinese culture [[1]], offers a compelling example. Traditionally, monks at the Shaolin Temple followed rigorous daily routines, including meditation and physical exercise, to cultivate a balanced lifestyle. These practices, combined with a disciplined approach to sleep, were essential for their overall health and well-being.

How can ancient wisdom help modern sleepers? The core tenets of TCM provide valuable insights. It focuses on restoring balance to the body’s energy flow. this involves practices like acupuncture, herbal remedies, and dietary adjustments.

TCM and Sleep: Key principles

TCM views sleep as a vital function governed by the balance of yin and yang energies. Imbalances can trigger insomnia,frequent awakenings,and othre sleep disturbances. To restore sleep,practitioners frequently enough focus on these areas:

• Acupuncture: Precise needle placement on meridians helps to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
• Herbal Remedies: Specific herbs and formulas are customized to address the underlying causes of sleep issues.
• Dietary Adjustments: A balanced diet, avoiding heavy, difficult-to-digest food at night, supports better sleep.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like meditation can calm the mind and promote relaxation.
• Tai Chi and Qigong: gentle movements and exercises improve energy flow and reduce stress.

Many of these principles can easily be adopted into a modern routine. If you’re struggling with sleep, consider these approaches.

Practical Tips for Better Sleep from TCM

Integrating TCM principles into your daily routine can significantly improve your sleep quality. Here are some actionable tips:

• Establish a Consistent sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily, aligning with your body’s natural rhythms.
• Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Dim the lights,take a warm bath,read a book,or practice gentle stretching to signal your body to prepare for sleep.
• Practice Meditation or Deep Breathing: Spend 10-15 minutes before bed calming your mind, reducing anxiety and improving chances of deep sleep
• Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool to minimize disruptions
• Consider herbal Remedies: Consult with a qualified TCM practitioner for personalized herbal recommendations.
• Limit Screen Time Before bed: The blue light from electronic devices can interfere with melatonin production. Set this aside for better sleep habits.
• Eat a Light Dinner: Heavy and spicy foods can disrupt sleep.

what are the core differences between western and TCM-styled solutions? Western medicine often uses sedatives. Conversely, TCM seeks to address the root cause. TCM emphasizes the body’s innate ability to heal itself through natural methods.

Myth vs. Fact: Demystifying TCM for Sleep

here’s a table highlighting common myths and facts about TCM for sleep:

Myth	Fact
TCM treatments are unproven and ineffective.	TCM has been practiced for thousands of years,and many treatments have scientific validation.
Acupuncture is painful.	Most people experience minimal pain during acupuncture; the needles are very thin.
Herbal remedies are unsafe.	When prescribed by a qualified practitioner, herbal remedies are generally safe and effective.
TCM is only for the elderly.	TCM is suitable for people of all ages.

The pursuit of better sleep is not a new issue. It has existed as the dawn of civilization. As the sleep health industry in China continues its rapid growth to 1 trillion yuan by 2030, people are still looking for answers.By blending traditional wisdom with modern scientific research, we can create sustainable practices for a healthier sleep, enhancing overall well-being.

Can TCM really help with the same problems that affect modern workers and mothers? Absolutely. TCM offers adaptable tools that can be personalized. They have applications for most lifestyle patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is TCM safe for everyone?

A: TCM is generally safe, but it is always recommended to consult with a qualified and licensed practitioner to tailor treatments to your specific needs and health conditions.

Q: How long does it take to see results from TCM treatments for sleep?

A: the time it takes to see results varies depending on the individual and the severity of the sleep issues. Some may experience improvements within a few weeks, while others may take longer.Consistency is critical.

Q: Can I self-administer TCM treatments?

A: While some practices, such as meditation and dietary adjustments, can be self-administered, it is indeed very meaningful to engage a qualified practitioner for treatments like acupuncture and herbal remedies to ensure safety and efficacy.

Q: Are there any side effects of TCM treatments?

A: Side effects are generally mild and rare, such as temporary soreness after acupuncture or mild digestive upset with certain herbal remedies. Practitioners are trained to minimize any potential adverse reactions and always consider that as part of their duties.

Q: Will TCM treatments interfere with Western medications?

A: It’s essential to inform your TCM practitioner about any medications you are taking. They can assess the potential for interactions.