Singaporeans Seeking Medical Help for Sleep-related Problems

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for Health (a) what are the figures and trends of Singaporeans seeking medical help for sleep-related problems over the past decade; (b) what the main types of sleep-related problems facing Singaporeans; (c) whether sleep deprivation is increasingly a concern in fast-paced and work-oriented Singapore; and (d) whether there is the need to step up measures to address sleep deprivation considering that long-term sleep deficit is detrimental to health.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Having sufficient, good quality sleep is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can lead to impaired cognition, and increased risk of health concerns such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues.

Insomnia, that is, difficulty sleeping and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are the two most common sleep-related problems that Singaporeans seek medical help for. From 2012 to 2016, the number of patients diagnosed as having insomnia at polyclinics has been stable, averaging 5,100 persons per year. The number of admissions to public hospitals for OSA increased from 3,592 in 2012 to 4,685 in 2017. They could be due to varying factors including increased awareness and more referrals.

The Health Promotion Board (HPB) has various initiatives to raise awareness on the importance and benefits of adequate sleep, especially for the young. Efforts include incorporating messages in HPB's stress and psycho-emotional programmes for school children, and engaging parents through workshops to emphasise their role in inculcating good sleep habits in their children. HPB's HealthHub and a microsite also provide additional information on sleep, and tips on good sleeping habits for adults and children. Our public hospitals hold regular forums to increase awareness about sleep disorders and their effects on health. MOH and HPB will continue to encourage Singaporeans to adopt good sleep habits as part of a healthy lifestyle.