SLEEPLESS EMPLOYEES: THE SLEEP CRISIS AMONG INDIAN CORPORATE PROFESSIONALS AND ITS COGNITIVE CONSEQUENCES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/eijmhs.v11i1.261Keywords:
Sleep Deprivation, Corporate Professionals, Mental Health, India, Work-life BalanceAbstract
Sleep is a vital biological function essential for optimal cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. However, in the fast-paced environment of the Indian corporate sector, sleep health is increasingly compromised due to extended work hours, high stress, and prolonged screen exposure. This study investigates the prevalence of sleep deprivation among Indian corporate employees and examines its impact on cognitive functioning.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a stratified random sample of 1000 corporate professionals across major sectors including IT, finance, marketing, and human resources. Data was collected using standardized tools—namely the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep quality, and a brief cognitive assessment scale to evaluate attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities. Additional demographic and work-related data were also collected.
The findings revealed a high prevalence of poor sleep quality, with over 60% of participants reporting sleep durations below the recommended threshold and frequent sleep disturbances. Statistical analysis indicated a significant negative correlation between sleep quality and cognitive performance. Employees with poor sleep exhibited reduced attention span, impaired memory recall, and slower problem-solving abilities. Sector-wise differences were observed, with IT and finance professionals reporting the highest levels of sleep-related issues.
Key findings indicated that 58% of participants reported poor sleep quality. Regression analysis revealed that perceived stress significantly predicted sleep quality (β = -.45, p < .01), explaining 32% of the variance
The study concludes that sleep deprivation is a silent epidemic within the Indian corporate sector, with serious implications for cognitive health and productivity. It underscores the urgent need for workplace interventions, including sleep hygiene education, flexible work policies, and corporate wellness programs aimed at promoting better sleep practices.
References
Alvaro, P. K., Roberts, R. M., & Harris, J. K. (2013). A systematic review assessing bidirectionality between sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Sleep, 36(7), 1059–1068. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.2810
Baglioni, C., Battagliese, G., Feige, B., Spiegelhalder, K., Nissen, C., Voderholzer, U., ... & Riemann, D. (2011). Insomnia as a predictor of depression: A meta-analytic evaluation of longitudinal epidemiological studies. Journal of Affective Disorders, 135(1-3), 10–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2011.01.011
Buysse, D. J., Reynolds, C. F., Monk, T. H., Berman, S. R., & Kupfer, D. J. (1989). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: A new instrument for psychiatric practice and research. Psychiatry Research, 28(2), 193–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-1781(89)90047-4
Cheng, P., Drake, C., & Roth, T. (2012). The role of cognitive and behavioral factors in the perpetuation of insomnia. Sleep Medicine Clinics, 7(2), 235–243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsmc.2012.04.008
Folstein, M. F., Folstein, S. E., & McHugh, P. R. (1975). “Mini-mental state.” A practical method for grading the cognitive state of patients for the clinician. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 12(3), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3956(75)90026-6
Harvey, A. G. (2011). Sleep and circadian rhythms in bipolar disorder: Seeking synchrony, harmony, and regulation. American Journal of Psychiatry, 168(12), 1247–1249. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2011.11071005
Henry, J. D., & Crawford, J. R. (2005). The short-form version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21): Construct validity and normative data in a large non-clinical sample. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 44(2), 227–239. https://doi.org/10.1348/014466505X29657
Ursin, H., & Eriksen, H. R. (2004). The cognitive activation theory of stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 29(5), 567–592. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0306-4530(03)00091-X
Lim, J., & Dinges, D. F. (2010). A meta-analysis of the impact of short-term sleep deprivation on cognitive variables. Psychological Bulletin, 136(3), 375–389. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018883
Sivertsen, B., Øverland, S., Bjorvatn, B., Mæland, J. G., & Mykletun, A. (2009). Does insomnia predict sick leave? The Hordaland Health Study. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 66(1), 67–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2008.05.003
Kushida, C. A., Nichols, D. A., Holmes, T. H., Quan, S. F., Walsh, J. K., & Gottlieb, D. J. (2005). The effects of continuous positive airway pressure on neurocognitive function in obstructive sleep apnea patients: The Apnea Positive Pressure Long-term Efficacy Study (APPLES). Sleep, 28(3), 427–432. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/28.3.427
Killgore, W. D. S. (2010). Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition. Progress in Brain Research, 185, 105–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-53702-7.00007-5
