Prevalence of and factors associated with poor sleep quality and short sleep in a working population in Singapore

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to examine the prevalence of poor sleep quality and short sleep and their associated factors in a working population in Singapore.

Design: This is a cross-sectional analysis.

Setting: Four companies in Singapore were included in this study.

Participants: Participants included 464 full-time employees (aged ≥21 years).

Measurements: Self-reported sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviours, medical history, chronotype, psychosocial factors, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and occupational factors. Clinical measurements were performed using standard tools and protocols. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with poor sleep quality (PSQI global score >5) and short sleep (<7 hours/night).

Results: The mean age was 39.0 (SD: 11.4) years, and 79.5% were men. The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 42.5%, and 66.2% were short sleepers. Nearly three-fourths (71.3%) had at least one of these two conditions. Age, Malay ethnicity (vs. Chinese), chronic conditions, poorer mental health, stress at home or work and shift work were positively associated, and mental component summary of the HRQoL scale and work years in the current company were negatively associated with poor sleep quality. Age, Malay and Indian ethnicities (vs. Chinese), longer dinner-to-bed time, snacking between dinner and bed time, and poorer mental health were positively associated with short sleep.

Conclusions: Poor sleep quality and short sleep were highly common in this working population in Singapore. Workplace policies should include education and intervention programmes to promote better sleep hygiene.

Keywords: Cohort study; Prevalence; Singapore; Sleep quality; Workplace.